Insight: I love my job working in care (BSL)

I’m deaf myself, I’m confident using speech and I’m also a BSL user. I started working in care 12 years ago. It was supposed to be temporary as I left university and wasn’t sure what to do in my career so a friend told me about a temporary position in a residential care facility.

It involved working through the night and being on duty in case there were any emergencies or care needs in the night. It was hard work but it paid better than other temporary jobs I tried and I felt like I was valued in the work.

It was also for a deaf led organisation so communication wasn’t a problem compared to other work I’d taken on where I struggled to communicate with my manager or team. I am glad to work for a deaf team it makes things a lot easier all round.

So when the temporary role ended I asked the same organisation about more permanent work. I was initially placed on a zero hour contract which can be the downfall of this type of work but I made sure I was reliable and consistent and it paid off.

Eventually an opening came up for permanent one on one care for a deaf gentleman who specifically wanted a deaf man to work with him. It took me a while to understand the routines and requests but eventually I came to form a really close bond with this man.

The type of care I provide varies. It can be personal care such as helping my client dress or fasten buttons – his age now means he isn’t as agile as he used to be. I also support him to wash and bathe and keep up his personal hygiene which really does help keep their mental health up.

I also support him to be independent and walk a short distance where possible and assist him on meeting others and socialising too.

Skills you need to work as a carer include patience – which I would say is your number one. If a client is having difficulty with something or is upset it’s really important you can be patient to understand what’s bothered them.

I would also say the ability to stay calm is important too. When I first joined my temporary job we had a nighttime incident where one resident unfortunately fell and got hurt. We had to contact emergency services and notify their family and this required a clear calm head. I admit I was worried when this first happened but I’ve learnt from other staff to remain calm in order to help.

Finally especially if you’re just starting out and temping or have a zero hour contract it’s important to be flexible. Clients needs can change greatly from day to day so you can’t always be expected to do the same thing. Flexibility in your time is also really important so you can be ready to assist when necessary.

I didn’t intend to work in care but I wouldn’t look back now as I find the job very rewarding. There are probably other jobs that pay better or with more benefits but I really enjoy knowing I make a difference and seeing the impact I have on my clients life. That feels more important to me than money right now.

If you’re deaf and thinking of working in care I would say give it a go and try your best. Don’t get stressed if routines change or you’re asked to do different things but just try your best when you’re with the client. You’re there to support and assist them and it really can feel like an honour to help.

This blog has been written anonymously as part of the Insight series – where readers are invited to share their story or news about their interesting job with The Limping Chicken. If you have a story to share please email rebecca@rawithey.com 

Image courtesy of i-stock photos.