A career in care is life-changing, both for service users and for staff. At Hampshire County Council, it’s care staff who make the difference for the people we support.
Hampshire County Council provides a wide range of services to support adults with learning disabilities and physical disabilities live fulfilling and independent lives, including residential homes, respite centres and crisis units.
These are staffed by dedicated senior residential service officers and residential service officers, who play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming environment where individuals feel at home, whether they are staying for a short break or living there long-term.
Homewood is a residential unit for adults with learning disabilities in Andover, north Hampshire, and is currently home to eight people. The home is bright and modern with a beautiful garden which the residents can enjoy.
We spoke to three of the Homewood team about what makes working in care so special, and what inspired them to work in the field.
Elliot is a residential service officer, who has worked in care for 14 years.
What inspired you to work in this field?
I knew I would get into care when I was 10 years old. When I was little, my mum was the manager of a day centre for older people. I remember spending most of the summer holiday there, making cups of tea and calling bingo numbers.
However, it wasn’t until my late twenties that I finally went into the care field. I didn’t know which area of care I wanted to get into, so I signed up to a local charity and began supporting adults with learning disabilities. Thus began my 14-year (so far) journey of care work. I literally cannot describe how rewarding and fun it can be.
What does a typical day in your role at Homewood look like?
I’m happy to say that there is no typical day at Homewood. Every day is different. One day I could be supporting with care plans, the next I could spend an hour or two playing games, helping someone clean their bedroom, baking or teaching someone a new skill.
Our role at Homewood is to keep the home running for the people that live there. This means that they can achieve their daily needs and be empowered to live their lives how they choose to.
What’s a memorable experience you've had at Homewood?
A lady who lives at Homewood said she wished to go on a helicopter ride, and she wanted me to take her. I said 'yes', of course, even though I’m really not good with heights!
On the day, I just embraced it. The lady sat in the front of the helicopter and off we went! She loved it. We took photos before, during and after, and I put them into a photo album for her to look back on. To this day, she still talks about it and wants to do it again.
Earlier this year, a gentleman wanted a Marvel themed fiftieth birthday party at a hall with a DJ. We started the planning a year ahead and included him every step of the way so that he could have the best party ever. I put together a list of songs he enjoyed - ones he’d sing or play air guitar to - for the DJ to play. He loves music, and you can’t have a party without your favourite songs. The gentleman still mentions his party and the songs that were played.
What does it mean to you to be making a difference?
Making a difference doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Supporting someone to do something, no matter how small you might think it is, can mean the absolute world to them.
I taught a lady how to send emails to her friends and family. Now, she does it every day. Even though she can send emails without help, she still loves me to spend time with her, printing photos and having a cup of tea together. I know she could print the photos herself if she wanted to, but that isn’t the point, it’s the time spent together she wants more.
Tracey is a residential service officer who has worked at Homewood for ten years.
What inspired you to work in care?
I had two children who had cystic fibrosis. I cared for them most of their lives until they became independent. I lost my son when he was 21, and so he never left home. But my daughter did. Caring for them inspired me to do this kind of work.
Before I started at Homewood, I worked in a school kitchen and in domiciliary care. I've now been at Homeward for ten years and this is where I'm staying. I absolutely love it here. It's like my second home. That's not just because of the service users; it's the staff as well. We work well together, and it is inspiring and rewarding at the same time.
You have to treat the service users as if you're treating a member of your family. You need to have a heart, and a lot of love and care inside you ,to work in care.
What does a typical day at Homewood look like?
Homewood is quite busy. Our days involve getting people ready for their daily activities or appointments, and doing their personal care and medication. We also have to keep the unit, service users and the staff safe as well. This involves keeping up with regular training, like moving and handling and first aid.
It's very rare that we have a quiet day.
What’s a memorable experience you've had at Homewood?
About a year and a half ago, we lost one of our service users. He was an unpredictable but lovely guy, and he loved his movies. So, with some of the donation money that was collected from his funeral, we made a cinema room in memory of him.
We've got big posters all framed up with these favourite movies that he used to like, and we've got sayings that he used to say all the time. We've got a projector, a popcorn machine and proper cinema chairs. It’s brilliant. Two of our service users use it regularly on a Tuesday evening.
I've got another lady who, when she knows I’m going to be on shift, looks for me. Whenever a new person comes into the building, she says to them: “Guess who's my best mate.” She means me. And that melts me.
It also tells me that I'm doing my job. She's got a lot of trust in me, and it makes me feel really good and proud.
What does it mean to you to make a difference?
Just coming to work makes a big difference.
Our jobs are all about ensuring that we provide and meet our service users’ needs. It’s important that we support their independence as much as possible as well. It's their home and we help them to make a sandwich and cups of tea to support their independence and help them to build their skills.
Dave is a deputy unit manager who has worked at Homewood for over 20 years.
What inspired you to work in this field?
I’ve been working at Homewood since 1997. I came here because I have a family member who has a learning disability, and I was interested in the care and support she received. I feel incredibly honoured to work around people that live at Homewood.
Every day is different in our service. It’s a job that's worthwhile. You walk away at the end of the day knowing you’ve made a difference. It’s not just about helping people with their living skills but fulfilling their dreams and wishes. We really get to know the people who live at Homewood and tailor their care to each person.
What’s a memorable experience you've had at Homewood?
As a service, every day's an achievement. We support a lady who would often show behaviours and challenges. She would get very, very upset around people. It was too busy. So, we adapted a self-contained flat upstairs. She lives up there with minimal support and will ring a buzzer when she needs help.
The change in her since she’s lived upstairs in her flat is unbelievable. It's changed her life. I'm quite proud of being part of that. Even her family say how different she's been.
What does it mean to you to be making a difference?
Every day makes a difference, just by supporting someone to have breakfast or to go for a swim, which they wouldn't be able to do without you there. That’s the difference we make. It could be little things. It could be huge things. We make a difference every day.
If you are interested in a role with as a residential service officer, Hampshire County Council is currently recruiting for the following roles:
- Residential service officer, Winchester (permanent)
- Residential service officer, Winchester (temporary)
