Transferring valuable experience within the care sector – Karen’s story

We would like to introduce you to Karen Harvey, Field Coordinator at Radfield Home Care Harrogate, Wetherby and North Yorkshire.

Tell us about your previous work/career background.

I have over 20 years experience working at Leeds City Council within social services where I helped to support children. My work was a very mixed bag, working with complex needs and mental health issues. I loved watching the children learn and I also led a staff team, providing training and development support.

What has inspired you to want to be involved in the care sector?

I loved my job but always wanted a career that made more of a difference, after 20 years I wanted to spread my wings and transfer my skills. I always enjoyed working with people and supporting them in a positive way but this time I wanted to refocus on adult care, an area I found intriguing. I also thought that I could use the experience that I already had in team development to help guide new members of staff. I feel like carers get a bad reputation for not providing good quality care and I wanted to prove to people that there is good care – at Radfield Home Care I feel this is the case.

Why Radfield Home Care?

Radfield is very different and we attract the right type of carer, ones that strive for the best. For me the family ethos and way that the management care for the staff really stood out for me. I felt that the ethos of the company, in the way that care professionals and clients are equally looked after, is such a positive thing. I wasn’t just joining a company I felt I was joining a family.

The management is not afraid to work alongside you and will check that you are ok and, when needed, provide you with support. There is no fear of approaching management and you will be listened to.

How did you get to hear about the job opportunity?

I first heard about Radfield Home Care via social media (Facebook). I felt I needed to do a lot of online research as you hear so much negativity about some companies. After viewing Radfield Home Care’s website, and the client feedback on Homecare.co.uk, it was clear this was the type of opportunity I was looking for.

What are your career aspirations?

I knew from my first interview that I wanted to progress in my next career with Rafield. The management recognised my potential and I have now enrolled to do a diploma (level 3 in health and social). I am supported to make sure I have the time to complete it and can rearrange shifts to accommodate it. I want to continue to develop my own professional confidence and help the next generation of care staff, regardless of their background, to have a successful and happy career in care®. This will also help ensure that all our carers meet Radfield’s benchmark for providing ‘exceptional care by exceptional people’

Any special moments with clients you would like to share?

Being a finalist in the Home Care team of the year at the Great British Care Awards was a very proud moment. The fact that I was put forward by a client makes it mean far more to me. A client and her husband wanted to go away on holiday for a cruise but were unsure if they could manage due to mobility issues. I was asked to support them and went with them on a 10 day cruise. I was able to strike the balance of providing enough support for the holiday to be successful while also managing to blend into the background so that they still had a sense of independence. I feel very privileged and it was an amazing opportunity. What was most rewarding was seeing my client outside of their own home.

What do you love most about your job and working for Radfield Home Care?

The team sticks together and supports each other, it’s like working for a family who genuinely care for the client in a holistic way. You get recognition from everyone, from the clients, the management team and from your colleagues. That presence of positive feedback from the office is also important and gives me even more drive to progress.

To be part of a company that pays a fair wage is so important, it makes you feel part of a company that values you and your hard work. There is no compromising on the time spent with the client as we get paid for our travelling time too.