A career change to the caring profession

The experience of looking after a family member during illness led Louise Massarella-Hickey to make a career change to the caring profession.

Now, nine years on, she has no regrets and is settling into her new role as a Care Coordinator with Caremark Doncaster.

After leaving college Louise worked in retail and was raising a family of three daughters with husband Steven when her father Nick became ill. Complications meant he was without a hip for ten months and in the end, it took three replacements.

“At the time I was working in the local garage and it was helping my mum in caring for my dad that led me to think it was a job I could do,” said Louise. “I saw an advert and thought I’d give it a try.”

Progressed from Care Assistant to Care Coordinator

Louise, 44, started in domiciliary care and then progressed to home support, senior carer, field care supervisor and five years ago became a care co-ordinator for another company.

When she saw an advert for the role of care co-ordinator with Caremark Doncaster’s Bassetlaw and West Lindsey branch, she felt it was an exciting opportunity.

“I’d seen CQC reports so knew Caremark was a good company and thought it would be good to get in from the start, help to build up the branch,” said Louise.

Experience provides good grounding for new role

She feels her early experience is good grounding for her new role in which she helps draw up care plans, organises care rotas and provides support to clients and staff.

“I’m passionate about supporting staff. I started as a carer and so I know the importance of having a Care Coordinator who knows the job and its challenges,” said Louise.

“What I also like about the role is that I still get out to meet customers and their families in person to draw up care plans, so if there is ever a problem I have that first-hand knowledge.”

Outside of work Louise likes nothing more than a weekend away with the family relaxing in an outdoor hot tub, with a trip to Sherwood Forest next on the list.

“Family means everything to me and with clients the aim is to care for them with the same empathy and compassion you would show your own family,” said Louise.

If you are looking for a career change, or to make the next step in your homecare career, we would love to hear from you. You can view the latest vacancies on our website or why not give us a call at the office?