By David Annand – Crossroads Care Surrey’s Corporate & Community Relationship Officer
How long have you worked for Crossroads Care Surrey?
5 and a half years.
What prior caring experience did you have?
My main experience came from caring for my own mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 years ago and came to live with me permanently 8 years ago. Being an only child, the responsibility was mine. I had seen her care for her own mother and my father so I couldn’t bring myself to put her in to a care home.
I had to give up my full-time job in hospitality and had to learn how to ‘care’ very quickly! Once I had domiciliary care in place for her, I was able to go back to work part-time in a local care home. I did a bit of everything; cooking, cleaning and creating activities for the residents. I really enjoyed it, and the care home was extremely well-managed. I then decided to start formal training and completed my level 3 in Health & Social Care alongside a CPD in Dementia which helped me greatly with my mother’s care.
Why did you choose to join Crossroads Care Surrey over domiciliary care or a care home?
I wanted regular clients and to be able to play an important role in their lives. I had experience with domiciliary care when looking after my own mother and found that they never had enough time to spend with her. They were always rushing off to the next client and were usually under immense pressure. I knew I wouldn’t be able to work like that. I’d worked part-time in a lovely care home with only 18 residents, which unfortunately didn’t meet structural regulations and had to close. I was offered a role in another care home – a much larger one – but it just wasn’t the same. It just so happened that my mother had a weekly session with Crossroads Care Surrey at the time, so I made some enquiries about working for them and the rest, as they say, is history.
How long have you been providing end of life care support to Mandy and John?
For quite a few years now, so I’ve encountered different stages of Mandy’s dementia. At first, she was still mobile. This was a difficult stage as she was constantly up and walking around and could be a danger to herself. She needed someone to always be with her.
What does a normal visit to Mandy and John entail?
Usually when I arrive, Mandy has just woken up. John will have washed and changed her but if he is still in the middle of this, I will assist. He will have her breakfast ready so once I have settled her, I feed her and give her something to drink. Mandy has problems swallowing and can cough a lot, so lots of encouragement is required to calm her to enable her to finish her food. This can take quite a while, but there is no rush, the main thing is that she is enjoying it and isn’t stressed by it. I then cleanse her face, neck, ears and hands. I apply moisturiser and massage her hands and then do the same with her feet. She loves to have her hair brushed which relaxes her when she’s agitated. I usually remake the bed and reposition her and then I do some gentle stretching with her limbs which she enjoys. Depending on Mandy’s mood (sometimes she’ll sleep at this point), I read aloud to her. Mandy doesn’t converse but I like to think she likes me reading to her. Sometimes if I stop reading, I can see her becoming inquisitive. She can be very expressive. Sometimes we play music or listen to her playlist. I try to keep her stimulated as much as possible. However, I’ve got to know her well enough that if she’s not in the mood, I just let her rest but remain beside her – as I believe she likes to know someone is there. John is usually working from home, so we often have a chat about what’s going on in the world. As well as Mandy, I’m here to support John. It can be lonely for John as the unpaid carer.
How do you feel about the work you do and the support you provide for Mandy and John in particular?
I feel immensely proud of the work I do for Mandy and John. I know I make a difference to their lives. John and his girls have expressed this on many occasions. I have built up a very good relationship with Mandy. I feel I know her so well. I enjoy my visits because its an accomplishment to make her relaxed and happy and know that I am trusted to do this. I know how important this is because I’m an ‘Alzheimer’s Daughter’ myself.
Why would you recommend working for Crossroads Care Surrey?
They are considerate of our needs as Care Support Workers. A lot of us can only work so many hours because we are unpaid carers ourselves or have families or other commitments to consider. We are kind individuals who want to work and provide the skills we have to offer but don’t particularly fit in to the mainstream workplace hence the package works and is fulfilling for us. Crossroads Care Surrey has always had a good reputation, so it’s considered quite a privilege to work for them. For the most part, you will have regular clients and therefore you’ll get to build a relationship with the loved one, the unpaid carer and sometimes the extended family. You become a valued part of their lives, and that makes it all worthwhile.
Which 3 words best describe what Crossroads Care Surrey does for unpaid carers?
Hope, relief, consistency.
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