Mum knows best

It’s usually the case that Mum knows best – and that’s certainly proved true for Kia Stocks.

When her mum, Elizabeth, applied for a job with Caremark Mansfield & Ashfield she decided to also put her daughter’s name down.

Kia was called for interview and the rest is history with mother and daughter now part of the home care support team.

“After leaving college I’d worked in a café but felt I wasn’t really getting anything out of it,” said Kia. “So, when I was called for the interview I thought I’d give it a shot and overall I am loving it.”

Kia, enjoys the flexibility of the hours available and now she’s passed her driving test she isn’t reliant on lifts and has a regular schedule of clients.

“I thought passing my test would open up other job opportunities but I’ve found I’m happy here at Caremark so I’m not in any rush to move elsewhere,” said Kia.

“The best bit is when you visit a client in the morning and when they wake up and see it’s you a big smile comes across their face, that’s a lovely feeling.”

Kia also admits there are some challenging times.

“The job involves working with some clients who may be in the final stages of life,” she said.

“We do our very best to make their final days as comfortable as possible and try to put on a brave face even though it is breaking your heart.”

Outside of work Kia loves to be active, getting out into the countryside or a day trip to the beach at Skegness.

This summer she’ll be visiting Disneyland in Orlando with family, a trip she’s done before and is really looking forward to.

“It’s such a completely different environment and allows me a complete re-set,” said Kia. “When I come back I don’t feel sad, I feel invigorated and ready to return to work.

To anyone else considering a career change, Kia says she would recommend the care sector.

“It’s an important job, with people relying on you. If you pay attention during training you’ll be fine and I’d say give it a go.”