Person-Centred Care and Support
From a very young age, I have naturally wanted to support others. I suppose being the second eldest of five siblings, and being the eldest girl, it seemed a natural way forward for me along life's journey. Especially so as a young carer.
From teenage years onwards, I was able to support those closest to me.
Firstly, my grandparents, who were such kind and caring people. During their later life, my Grandad became unwell; this meant that my Nan had more things to do around the home. I offered to help to make things easier for her. So I would sit with him through the night so that my Nan could get a good night's sleep.
Shortly after supporting my grandparents, I had the privilege of supporting the most wonderful elderly neighbour, who experienced a fall which resulted in her losing her sight. Sadly, because of this, she needed to live in a care home. I visited her every week, giving back to her all the kindness she had shown to my family and me when I was a child.
My Career as a Nurse
My career as a Nurse has spanned over two decades; the last seventeen of those years, being within the field of Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care, and End of Life Care. I have also nursed in Acute Care, Community Care, Care of the Elderly, Stroke, and Breast Care, to name but a few. Each role was clinically intense, yet I was able to provide enormous support both emotionally and psychologically to my patients and their families.
During my career, I observed many challenges that brought about change for people. These changes were mainly due to ill health, declining mental health, or grief due to the loss of a loved one. It was during these times that I noticed a gap in the market for companionship and high quality support within the home.
As a professional, I have had many years of experience with the elderly and people diagnosed with Dementia; this was not only on the hospital wards, but in the care home sector prior to starting my business.