Supporting families

Carer of the month Jon Mitchell believes homecare is as much about supporting families as it is the customers.

In cases of palliative end of life care, he sees himself as someone whom family members can lean on.

“For them to know that their loved one is safe, comfortable and being looked after when they can’t be there gives peace of mind,” he said.

“It is one less thing for them to worry about at what is a very distressing time.”

Jon, 52, worked for 30 years in the retail sector before moving to home care support with Caremark Kirklees five years ago.

“I’ve never been one for an office job,” he says, “I prefer human contact, that one to one connection and in this role, I get to meet lots of interesting people with fascinating life stories.”

Jon believes that, by breaking down barriers and building up a relationship, carers can gain the trust of customers so they will confide when something isn’t right and often what seems the smallest of things can make such a difference.

Jon recalls one customer who was in his fifties and paralysed from the waist down. He had limited movement of his hands but a very active mind.

His light was controlled by a cord. This hung down and would get in the way of carers and family if they were helping him to move so it would be put to one side. Unfortunately, they sometimes forgot to put it back when they left and so the customer was left frustrated unable to switch the light on or off.

“When he told me about this, I was able to set up his light so it was operated by a phone app through his voice or touch,” said Jon. “It was just a simple thing but it made such a difference for him to be able to control this aspect of his life.”

When he’s not working Jon enjoys long walks with his dog, Amber, or watching motor sport – including attending the British Touring Car Championships with his daughter.

His advice to anyone thinking of becoming a carer is to go for it.

“Ignore the scare stories, come and see for yourself,” said Jon. “99% of the job is wonderful, it’s enjoyable and very rewarding.”