Working in Care – Patience & Compassion

Every day is different in social care.

Helping others, having compassion and patience are the key skills in becoming a support worker. You don’t even need qualifications to start, just a real love of people!
We’ve been speaking to our support workers about working in care, their motivation, what each day is like and what advice they would give to those considering a career working in care.

CMKC: What’s your name and your current position?

JA: James Asomaning and I am a support worker.

CMKC: What attracted you to work in social care?

JA: I realised there’s a continually increasing number of people who genuinely need care and support and since I had the passion for supporting others who need it, I saw it as an excellent opportunity to make a positive and helpful contribution to people’s lives each day.

CMKC: What do you find most rewarding working in social care?

JA: The joy and fulfilling feeling that I am helping to make someone’s life more meaningful and a little easier each day through my role as a support worker.

CMKC: What is your typical day like at Camphill?

JA: All days are not the same, but typically, it starts by checking the house in which I work to ensure all is well and safe for all residents. I interact with each resident to find out if they have any concerns or issue regarding their health or wellbeing that needs urgent attention. I continue with administering medication and assisting those who self-medicate to ensure there are no accidents. I check for all appointments and allocate escorts, help residents get ready and set for their individual routines and workshops, arrange transportation, help with personal support time then followed by domestic duties and finally ensure supper is freshly prepared before all residents return to the house.

The evenings are usually climaxed with either a recreational or educational activity, followed by personal grooming assistance, night medication etc. After that, it’s goodnight to residents and preparation for the following day.

CMKC: What’s your most memorable experience working in Camphill/social care?

JA: Each day comes with great memories of its own, but it’s a great joy when residents gather in the theatre for community events, music and drama among others. Seeing how happy they are and offering the support they need is very fulfilling.

CMKC: What do you hope to achieve working in Camphill/Social care?

JA: To make a positive impact on the lives of the residents depending on their individual needs. Willing to do what I can to make their lives better as well as help maintain and improve on the good working standards and person-centred care and support already in practice at Camphill or where ever my services as a support worker would be required.

CMKC: What advice would you give to those who are considering a career in Camphill/social care?

JA: Working in social care comes with its challenges, but it is also rewarding and fulfilling knowing that you are offering support and care to individuals who actually need and it and whose lives won’t be the same without it. So if you have the passion, compassion and patience, then you are making the right decision.