A natural knack for caring
When Alan Higton-Moran joined Caremark Doncaster, he did not just bring considerable experience with him — but a natural knack for caring which is almost impossible to teach.
His story is an interesting one, shaped by a life that has included time in the Army, work as a mortgage advisor, owning and running a bar in Greece, years spent living on a boat and even publishing dozens of books. Every chapter has undoubtedly contributed to the considerable impact he has made on his customers in such a short space of time.
Long before he worked in care professionally, Alan was already someone people relied on, whether it was driving a tank in the first Gulf War, guiding people through the mortgage process, or serving drinks to thirsty customers.
“I look forward to getting up for work on a morning”
So, when he met our Care Coordinator Louise at a job fair, something simply clicked.
Looking back, Alan says, “To be honest, I’m with Caremark because of Louise and how she sold herself and the company.”
For Alan, the best part of the job is not just the care itself, but the relationships that grow through it. He takes time to get to know each customer properly, to listen, to notice and to bring a bit of comfort and companionship into the day.
He adds: “These people aren’t customers anymore, they’re friends and it’s the first job I’ve ever had where I look forward to getting up at six o’clock in the morning.”
It’s the small moments that say the most about Alan
It is often the small moments that say the most about the kind of carer Alan is. It might be bringing along a newspaper and TV guide, making a bacon sandwich after hearing it mentioned on a Sunday morning cookery show, or helping someone choose where they would like to go with the help of a picture board. These thoughtful gestures are never about grand statements — they are about making someone feel seen, heard and valued.
As Alan says, “It’s little things like that that I enjoy doing. Things that might seem little but make an enormous difference to the people we support.”
From living on boats to making a home in Greece for five years, Alan and his partner Gail have embraced adventure over the years and they have a simple motto which, “We say ‘yes, why not’, instead of ‘no’.”
“I don’t see caring as a job”
It is a lovely way of looking at life and one that seems to carry through into the encouragement, positivity and reassurance Alan brings to the customers he supports across Doncaster.
After many different roles over the years, Alan has found something in care that feels truly meaningful.
“I don’t actually see it as a job,” he says. “I’m going round to see my mates.”
That simple, sincere way of seeing the people he supports tells you everything about the kind of person he is. We are proud to have Alan as part of the Caremark Doncaster team and we know the people he supports feel the exact same.
In his spare time, Alan and Gail are authors and have written numerous books on a range of subjects which can be found on Amazon by searching “Higton Moran”, or “Howson Books.”
About Caremark Doncaster
If, like Alan, you are craving a job which doesn’t feel like work, why not view our home care jobs in Doncaster or call us today on 01302 201392.