The loving way
As her father, Tony, weakened after being diagnosed with what proved to be terminal cancer, Sara Medlock witnessed first-hand the loving way in which her mother, Rabia, cared for him and the difference it made to his final years.
“I did public service at college and seeing how Mum cared for Dad had a big impact,” said Sara.
“When college finished, we were in lockdown, and I think it was perhaps that experience which led me to take a job within the care sector.”
Sara, 22, gained a lot of varied experience during lockdown, including working within residential homes with the elderly, those with dementia, adults with special needs and challenging behaviour and also as a care assistant on an NHS ward.
She decided to apply for a role as a Care Assistant with Caremark Kirklees because she believed it would develop her skills.
“I felt if I could get to know people I could deliver a better standard of care,” said Sara. “In the NHS it was a case of patients being in and out within a week or so and within a care home you were basically giving a few minutes each day to a lot of people.”
Sara has been with Caremark Kirklees for over a year now and has proved a valuable addition to the team – recently being named the Carer of the Month for March for the whole of Caremark – selected out of more than 5,000 care assistants across the country.
“I got a message to say the boss wanted a word with me and at first I thought I was in trouble,” said Sara. “When she told me I had won the award I was so excited.”
Mum Rabia, who also works for Caremark and is a three time winner of our Carer of the Year award, was proud of her daughter. “She said I was following in her footsteps which was lovely,” said Sara who was recently promoted to the role of senior carer and whilst working is also studying for her NVQ 2 in Health and Social Care.
When she’s not working Sara enjoys meals out with friends with TGI Friday the current favourite restaurant. She likes a beach, either home or abroad, and is planning trips to Flamborough and to Crete.
Sara says she might apply for a police apprenticeship in the future, though she is happy working for Caremark and has some award-winning advice to anyone joining the profession.
“When I meet a new client, I make sure I crouch down so we can have a good conversation on the same level,” said Sara.
“I want to get to know them and understand exactly how they want things to be done. It is their home, and the smallest detail is important.”