Issue 97 02.03.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Construction worker builds career in care A FORMER construction worker is building a new career as a home care assistant with a Kendal-based company. Sam Parker, 28, who previously worked for his father’s historical building restoration company, has joined Westmorland Homecare. In his construction role his job involved brickwork, plastering and general labouring tasks. Now Sam spends his day helping elderly and often frail people to live independently in their own homes. “When you wake up in the morning and look ahead to what the day has in store it doesn’t feel like it’s work,” he said. “It’s more like you are going out to help friends and family.” Sam spent several years working for his father’s firm Chris Parker and Son. Projects included restoring a wall at Sizergh Castle’s famous ‘mirror pond’ and building a toilet block at Rydal Hall. But Sam, who says he has always loved caring, decided on a change of career. His role at Westmorland Homecare involves providing personal care and medication and meals support for the company’s clients. “I also take some of my clients out on social visits,” said Sam. “We might go bowling, to the
cinema or out for a coffee and cake at Levens Hall or Rydal Hall. “I took a younger client to a gaming shop in Kendal – I am an avid gamer so we have a lot in common.” He said the main satisfaction he gained from the job was helping to make people’s lives easier. “If it wasn’t for me, they would not have the quality of life they have,” he said. Sam believes his time in the construction industry gave him some transferable skills for his new role. “I think I am good in very stressful situations and I learned that in the building trade. I am level headed and if something happens when some people might panic, I will stop and think about what to do. “I also met many people in the building trade where you have to be socially adept and able to speak to anyone and that has also helped in my home care assistant role.” Sam said he would recommend becoming a home care assistant to anyone thinking of entering the profession. “I would say go for it. There are thousands of people who need help with the quality of their life and if you can be a tiny part of that jigsaw puzzle that is fantastic.”
Music charity to broadcast performance
Residents at Graysford Hall Care Home in Leicester enjoyed a ceramic workshop led by artist Rachel Barnett. Rachel has a degree in glass and ceramics and teaches several classes as an arts practitioner for Leicestershire County Council schools and adult learners. Residents will be able to paint their pieces at the next session. The home is already planning its next project with Rachel, which will include making commemorative coin medals and other items for the Queen’s Jubilee in June. Wellbeing lead Jayne Hill said: “The ceramic workshop was a chance for residents to get creative in a sociable and welcoming space. It was also great for them to meet and get to know a very talented artist within their community.”
MUSIC charity Bristol Beacon will live stream the forthcoming London Symphony Orchestra concert with Sir Simon Rattle to care homes across the country. The concert will be broadcast live from Bath Forum via YouTube at 6.45pm on Monday March 14 and will be available for free for one month so care homes can screen it for their residents at a time that suits them. Hosted by organist and journalist Oliver Condy, any care home in the country can tune in for free and is invited to screen the concert for staff and residents thanks to sponsorship by Bristol Care Homes. Geoff Crocker, chair of Bristol Care Homes, said: “To be forming a close partnership with Bristol Beacon on highquality broadcasts of concerts like this is really fantastic. The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, particularly care home residents and staff, but the use of technology to share such magical performances in this innovative way is a real legacy that we will continue to support.” The first concert back in October featured across national TV and print press and inspired joy among the many care home residents who tuned in. Homes wishing to access the stream should email hello@ bristolbeacon.org for information. They can share photos of residents and staff watching the concert together using the hashtag #ThankYouCareHomes and tagging @Bristol_Beacon and @ londonsymphony