Kate shines a light on the role of Care Professional

Kate Scott has been working with us for a while now and we were keen to sit down for a cup of tea and a chat about her role as Care Professional. At Radfield Home care York, Thirsk & Ryedale we think it’s important to shine a light on Care Professionals and the good that they do in the community every day.

Join us as Kate tells us all about what she did before starting her career in care, some of the challenges she faces, as well as what she enjoys most about her role.

Kate Scott – Radfield Home Care York, Thirsk & Ryedale

Tell us a bit about your background. What did you do before you joined us?

“Immediately before I started working with Radfield, I worked in education with children who had special needs and behavioural problems. It kind of felt like time for a change really and the COVID pandemic highlighted the opportunity of working with elderly people. I think they’re often a forgotten part of the community and suffer from extreme loneliness and because I’ve worked with the younger people, I was interested in supporting people.

Many, many years ago I worked in a nursing home from when I was 16 to when I qualified after University at 22 or so, and I absolutely loved it. Following this I went into engineering and was then Head Consultant at an engineering firm for 11 years until my children were born.

I am also currently studying a Psychology and Counselling Degree.”

What made you decide to start your career in care?

“It was the pandemic that made me consider it again, along with my psychology course I am doing and the support I was providing for children with learning disabilities. I also wondered if it could work well around my family life, teenage children and studies as I considered the shift patterns you may need could offer some flexibility. Then I saw the advert for Radfield Home Care, I really liked the look of it and when I spoke with you it seemed to fit really well.

I read the job description and I felt there was a level of professionalism which was different to others. It felt very person centred and not one of these providers that pops in for 15 minutes to rush through everything.

On paper, my CV is very random and not much older people care experience in recent years, but Radfield was really open minded about that and it wasn’t a problem due to the training provided. Personally, I also think a varied CV is a positive because you can bring lots of different angles and experiences to things.”

What was your biggest fear before becoming a Care Professional?

“I often see people working for other care providers around the village where I live nipping in and out and I suppose that was my main fear before I began really. I was worried that there wasn’t going to be the time given to allow me to build a relationship with who I was caring for and I was going to be under pressure to get things done quickly.

In reality, it isn’t like that at all. Radfield gives us the time and flexibility to focus on getting to know clients and their wellbeing. Of course, there are priority tasks we have to complete each visit, but we have the flexibility to spend time getting to know clients as well – which is so often really valuable to them, as we may be the only person they see each day.

I suppose another thing I was unsure of was learning new skills. Things like moving and handling, personal care etc have changed since I last worked in care nearly 25 years ago, so it was all new to me and it is only natural to be a bit nervous about this. But the training, shadowing and supportive meant this wasn’t a problem at all.”

You’ve been with us now for a few months. What has kept you hooked and what do you enjoy the most?

“What really helps is it’s got a very good team vibe at Radfield. I do like that. Effectively you are working independently a lot of the time, but it doesn’t really feel like that. We have regular communication with everyone in the team – even new team members or Care Professionals I haven’t met in person yet. It sounds like a cliché, but it does feel like you are part of a team and that everybody counts.

You do get hooked to the clients as well. I mean what’s not to love really. They are so lovely and you do care about them. They almost feel like they are part of your family. You do feel like you’re actually doing something valuable every visit, whether that involves helping someone get ready for the day or sitting with them going through old photo albums and memories.

Since doing this job I have also become really aware of just how bad loneliness amongst older people is and being able to help combat that everyday feels really special.”

What’s the most challenging part of working as a Care Professional?

“Leaving at the end of each visit. I would honestly say that is one of my most challenging things and it’s the thing I struggle with more than anything. I love a good chat, and I could sit there for hours chatting to them!”

What do you enjoy most about working for Radfield Home Care York, Thirsk & Ryedale?

“As I mentioned, I really enjoy the team feeling. It just feels like you’re really well supported, which enables me to make the decisions I need to make while I’m out visiting clients day-to-day but when I’m not with clients. I always feel like there’s someone at the end of the phone if there’s something I’m not sure about.

As well though, I love the fact that we are so person centred and that everything we do is focused on what’s best for the clients.”

If you’re ready to kickstart your own career in care, head over to our vacancies page where you can see what’s available. Alternatively, contact us directly to find out more.