Feedback from families is important
Feedback from families is important to Caremark Great Dunmow in ensuring we continue to provide the best care possible. It doesn’t get much better than the praise received recently for Cherry Trundle, a valued member of our home care support team.
The daughter of a lady Cherry cares for wrote: “Cherry has consistently demonstrated professionalism, kindness and compassion – not only towards Mum but also towards me as her daughter.” This is a wonderful example of feedback from families that motivates our staff.
She added: “Seeing Cherry scheduled gives me complete peace of mind that Mum is in safe and capable hands.”
Cherry, 60, has been with Caremark for the past three years. She came late to the profession, having worked in hairdressing for 43 years since leaving school.
She said of her decision: “When you are cutting fringes you hear a lot of people talking about problems which really aren’t problems. I decided I wanted to give back, to do something for people who have real problems and make a difference to their lives.”
The skills she has learned have helped with personal challenges
The flexibility of hours offered by Caremark meant Cherry could continue to run her hairdressing business. She was also able to work in home care support on evenings. Additionally, feedback from families reassures our carers about the impact they are making.
She admits she was nervous at first. However, she found the skills she had acquired in the salon transferred well to her new role.
“You do a lot of listening when you’re cutting hair and that is very important as a carer. You also need an attention to detail, treat everyone with respect and as an individual and understand how they like things to be done,” said Cherry.
And now the skills Cherry has learned at Caremark are helping her to cope with challenges she faces in her own life. For example, she is helping her father, David. His mental health has deteriorated over the last two years, and feedback from families going through similar experiences can be invaluable.
“I understand the need to be patient with his repetitive forgetfulness and I recognised medical issues at an early stage, before they got too bad,” said Cherry.
“My experience with Dad means I have a lot of empathy for families of the person I’m caring for. This is because I understand what they are going through. Also, I know the guilt you sometimes feel because you cannot do everything and you cannot be there all the time.”
A good rapport with her customers
Cherry recognises that the daily social contact carers have with customers can be as important as the other roles of the job.
She said; “I have a good rapport with my customers. I have quite a dark sense of humour which is shared by many older people, so there are a lot of belly laughs when I visit.”
Cherry certainly leads a busy life. As well as holding down two jobs she has also taken the opportunity, now her two daughters have left the nest, to renovate the family home with husband Darren. Initially she had only intended to work in care for 18 months. However, she enjoys it so much she has no plans to retire and the positive feedback has re-enforced that view.
“I was quite emotional when I saw it. I always try to do a good job and words like that from a daughter gives you confidence that you are doing things right and you are appreciated,” she said. “It’s a fact I love my job, I couldn’t leave now and never see my customers again.” In summary, feedback from families plays a crucial role in shaping our approach and confirming the quality of our care.
This section allows for a conclusion on the topic and possibly adds external links relevant to further information on the topic. The text must also include the keyword of the article.
About Caremark Great Dunmow
We’re always looking to add to our amazing team supporting customers across Great Dunmow. So please view our home care vacancies in Great Dunmow or call us today on 01371 872178 to start your rewarding career in care.