Meet the team… Angus

Angus is a carer based on the Isle of Wight and is one of our newest recruits. Read on to find out how his career in care began and what he believes are the key qualities you need to be a good carer.

My career in care began in the 1980s working with students in further education, who had either physical or learning disabilities.

I had started an office job when I first left school, which I found very boring, so because I didn’t really know what profession to go into, I decided to do care work as I did know I liked helping people.

I have only just recently started working with Nobilis and so far have been impressed with the company, from the management (Helen, Sue & Kath) to carers on the ground; the management doesn’t seem to be top heavy and managers are former carers themselves.

What I love about the job is meeting new people, whether they are carers or clients; I love being welcomed into people’s homes to carry out my-role and hearing about their life stories.

My day starts at home preparing myself for my role, checking my notes, looking at my diary for the day, familiarising myself with the individual care plans and finally my route to each person’s home and then I’m off…

My role involves various daily tasks depending on each client needs, such as personal care (toileting/showering), making tea and coffee, preparing meals, and supporting clients with their medication, shopping and taking them to appointments such as with the doctor or dentist. Finally, but importantly it’s saying ‘hello’ with a smile, whilst listening and chatting.

Patience, empathy and understanding are important for this job; patience when dealing with client needs, plus understanding that each client moves and talks at different speeds and each has different life experiences. It’s important to remember we are all going to get old – the saying ‘treat those as you want to be treated’ comes to mind.

The training is a three-pronged approach of online, in the classroom and shadowing experienced carers out and about on the job; you get great support from your fellow colleagues and managers are always on call.

Away from work my hobbies are keeping reasonably fit by walking around our lovely island and I have just started the NHS couch to 5K. I love all sport, especially football. Also, I have just recently bought a telescope so when the weather warms up I will be doing some star gazing and going back to swimming in the sea.

You can find out more about a career with Nobilis at  Nobilis Recruitment