Inseparable siblings land dream careers working together

A PAIR of Macclesfield sisters have found the perfect job that rewards them with fulfilling livelihoods whilst meeting the demands of their busy lifestyles: working alongside one another, caring for the town’s older community.

Rachel Smith, 53, and Traci Herbert, 58, have found their vocation with Belong at Home, offering a helping hand supporting people to live independently in their homes.

They joined the home care service as part of its ongoing recruitment drive, as their personal circumstances necessitated a career move - both for very different reasons.

Safeguarding expert Rachel, then head of college student support services, sought a switch that aligned more closely with her emotional needs.

She said: “Dealing with complaints all day really took its toll; I needed a job that was more positive, where I could still have an impact on the lives of others.”

It was after caring for her uncle in the final stages of his life, Rachel felt ready to embark on her new venture.

“I’d known for a few years my next step would be in care,” she added. “People are called to do it and I could wait forever and a day to be financially ready and it would never come.”

Meanwhile, older sister Traci was battling to keep afloat the family pub within a hospitality sector up against increased costs and decreased patronage. Having heard of the flexibility that care afforded her sister, she drew upon her previous experience to re-enter the profession.

An Air Force veteran has celebrated her 101st birthday at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton. Phyllis Hales was visited by her children, grandchildren and friends, and later enjoyed a tea party with other residents at the care home, on Friday 30 June. Phyllis has been a resident at Royal Star & Garter since 2017. She was born in London in 1922 and did clerical work at a bookbinders before joining the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in 1942 at the age of 19. She continued doing clerical work while serving in the military and, following the war, was stationed for six months in Belgium and Germany. She demobbed in 1946 before working for British European Airways, and later as a headmaster’s secretary.

She added: “I needed a supplementary income that would allow me to work around my business. Rachel was really enthusiastic about Belong at Home and I’ve worked in care before, so it was the perfect opportunity.

“Growing up, we were always together; I took her everywhere. Our family’s very close, so it’s a joy to be able spend more time together and it’s not uncommon for us to meet in Tesco car park to share lunch and have a catch-up.”

Just six months into the job, Rachel has earned a newcomer award nomination at the Stars of Social Care Awards for Home Care.

Rachel added: “I’m thrilled to be nominated for a job that I love. I wasn’t sure if I could apply without care experience, but as long as you’re a people person, happy to look after others and make them comfortable, Belong at Home teaches you how to care for someone with dementia.

“The main things you need are confidence, approachability and empathy.

“My advice to anyone thinking about it is to just go for it.”

Traci added: “For me the flexibility is perfect. I do around 25 hours per week which gives me time to complete all the pub admin in the day and then carry out care appointments in the evening or take full day shifts when it suits.

“We also get to spend more time with our parents; just recently, we celebrated mum’s 80th after being able to swap some shifts around with the colleagues. It’s been ideal for the whole family.”

A resident at a Bridlington care home recently celebrating her 100th birthday. Joan O’Connell enjoyed a day full of surprises and celebrations which saw a guest appearance from some alpacas as well as Bridlington’s Mayor and Mayoress. Alpacas from Butterwick Alpaca Retreat made a special visit to Red House care home which proved to be an extra special occasion for Joan as she loves animals. Joan also received an overwhelming response from the local community, receiving more than 300 birthday cards to mark her special day. As part of the celebrations, Kids’ Corner Nursery from Bridlington Bay Primary School paid a visit to serenade Joan with a heartwarming rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’

A Salisbury care home welcomed a special visit by an ice cream van so a resident could have a wish come true – a 99 Flake on her 99th birthday. Stella Parsons told carers of her wish for the crumbly chocolate treat and enjoyed it with a beaming smile in the sunshine outside Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge. First in the queue when Fat Sam’s Ice Creams parked up at the home, Stella said: “I can’t believe you managed to get an icecream van here for me. I love an ice cream with a flake in it.” Behind the scenes, team members had to act quickly when the original van they tried to arrange for the sweet surprise was unable to make it in the end.

A resident at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 104th birthday. To mark the special milestone, resident Annie Hardy enjoyed celebrations throughout the week with her family, friends and staff at the home. Annie and her fellow residents also enjoyed a visit from schoolchildren from Farrington School. The children performed an assembly and even sang Happy Birthday to Annie. Anne received a cake, cards and flowers and activities coordinator Diane Connor organised a West End performer to come along and entertain residents. Earlier this year, knowing about her love for pie and mash, staff at the arranged a trip to London for Annie, where she was able to enjoy her favourite dish once again at Manze’s in Deptford.