This month’s spotlight is on Angel caregiver Trudy Nightingale.
Trudy has been with Visiting Angels for about 2 years and has proven herself to be a wonderful caregiver even though she had no prior experience in care. The skills , compassion and kindness that she possesses truly portray the values of an Angel.
We got talking to her to know a little more about Trudy and her life at Visiting Angels.
What was your nature of work before you joined Visiting Angels ?
Before Visiting Angels, I used to work for a charity. I did that as I wanted to support people – but as time went on, the work I was doing became less and less about people and more and more about making money.
What makes your job different, here at Visiting Angels?
At Visiting Angels, it is lovely to have a job where you care and support people all day.
I have been working here for 2 years and I still love, love, love it ! It is the feeling that you get, knowing that you might be the only person that the client might see all day, or turning up and helping them with something that they have been struggling to do all day.
Every one of my clients is always happy to see me and that’s lovely. To see them smile and be so appreciative of your time, doing a job that you love – it’s great. There is one client who will ask me to go to the shops when I visit – I know that he likes a particular chocolate bar so I will always make sure I buy him one even though it’s not on his shopping list. We always have a little giggle about when I get back to his flat about the chocolate bar – he knows that I will get him one – and that why he doesn’t put it on his shopping list. It’s our little game!
What is a typical day like- as a Caregiver?
Even though I have regular clients, every day is different – you just don’t know what you are going to face on your scheduled visits. You need to be adaptable to every situation, but it is great to know that there is always someone on the end of the phone to support you if needed. No questions are ever a silly one to ask which is great to know when you need some advice.
There are so many different skills that you must use – you will be surprised – but for me being calm, patience and offering reassurance to a client goes a long way and we have the time to do that at Visiting Angels which is great.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I love been being able to listen to people’s stories, hopes and sometimes fears – and hold their hands through all of that. One of my favourite memories is of a client who was a child in World War One, she told me about going into a bunker with her mum, dad, and brother. She talks about how scared she was especially when the bunker flooded but knowing that she had a family there with her. It doesn’t matter how many times I hear that story; I still brings a lump to my throat.
What advice would you give to somebody considering joining Visiting Angels as a Caregiver?
There are so many reason that I would recommend you work for Visiting Angels – one hour call times, regular clients you can build a working relationship with, the support you get, the pay, travel times and mileage payments, waking night, sleeping night, complex care……the list goes on.
I would give it a try as it works for me and could do for you.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to spend time with my family, go out with Blu as much as I can and potter in my little garden.
We were elated to hear Trudy’s comments about us & Thank her for a job well done. Here’s a little treat for you and Blu!
If you see yourself as someone who wants to make a difference in a person’s life. If you want a fulfilling & rewarding job, JOIN US!
You can be our next Angel. Visit the website HERE to see the list of vacancies and apply today.