Music can often be the key to engaging with customers
Memories of the past can help maintain mental health in older life. Encouraging mental stimulation is an important feature of home care support. Lionel Major has worked in the care sector for many years. For the past eight years he has worked with Caremark Leeds. He finds that music can often be the key to engaging with customers.
“One couple I visit were very into the late seventies punk rock scene so we have good chats about the bands we’ve seen and the music of The Stranglers, The Clash and Sex Pistols,” said Lionel.
He believes finding common ground can open up conversation and build up trust. As a result, customers aren’t afraid to talk about anything that may be concerning them, or anything Lionel could do to help them.
Sport can also be good common ground
“Sport can also be a common ground to build on,” he said. “I am from Manchester and a lot of customers are Leeds fans so as we’re getting the jobs done we can talk about the great teams and players of the past and today’s Premier League.”
It was whilst working as a porter in the NHS and observing how auxiliary nurses made a difference to patient care that Lionel first thought about becoming a carer.
Now 65, the flexible hours offered by Caremark have allowed him to become semi-retired. Yet he can still enjoy regular shifts visiting people, in their homes.
Important to show an interest in a customer’s life
“It’s important to show an interest in the customer’s life and to be helpful. Of course there’s the personal care, the medicine and mobility side of things, after that I don’t mind putting bins out, drawing curtains or tidying up a bit if it makes the customer feel better,” said Lionel.
Lionel is Platinum Care Award winner, reflecting his years of dedication. He adds: “It gives me great personal satisfaction to see how pleased clients are to see me and so are their relatives.”
About Caremark Leeds Bradford
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