Helping his mum

Andrew Hunter decided to join the care sector after helping his mum nurse his father through a terminal illness and being dismayed at the lack of support the family received.

His father John, contracted Pneumoconiosis – known as black lung – as a result of a life spent working down the pit.

“He died slowly over 12 years, his breathing and mobility gradually getting worse and worse,” said Andrew.

“We received no support whatsoever and that made me determined to try and ensure other families didn’t have to cope on their own.”

Andrew left his job at a sandwich factory and became a Care Assistant. He has some experience working in care homes but far prefers helping people to stay in their homes through his work with Caremark Mansfied & Ashfield, which he joined last year.

“I found care homes like a factory line, everything was rushed and onto the next person,” said Andrew.

“In home care it is much more one to one. We have time to get to know the customers understand their needs and individual preferences.”

From his own experience caring for his father, Andrew also understands how important carers can be for the relatives of the customers.

“We offer comfort to relatives who are often not only distraught but also exhausted,” said Andrew.

“Our visit is a chance for them to take a break, have a cuppa or if they can’t be with the relative all the time have peace of mind in knowing there is someone there checking they are ok, that they have taken their meds and are eating and drinking properly.”

Andrew’s wife also works for Caremark and they appreciate the flexibility of working hours available so there is always one of them at home for the two children. They also ensure they have family time together with weekends at a caravan in Skegness a popular escape.

Family life is important to Andrew. He he feels that for customers with no visiting relatives the social contact the care support team offers and the opportunities for custoemrs to engage with the outside world can be as important as the other elements of the service.

“With one lady we used the time during one visit to take her to the shops and her eyes really lit up when we got there,” said Andrew.

“The memories came flooding back and she was eager to tell me about which the shops had changed since she was young. A simple thing but so beneficial for her and it felt so rewarding to be part of.”