A rewarding job in care in Wakefield • Caremark Wakefield

A rewarding job in home care support brings obvious positive benefits to customers in terms of being able to stay in their own homes and that daily one to one social contact that brightens up a day.

And the job can also bring life-enriching benefits to staff and not just in terms of pay and building up skills, qualifications and experience.

Nagaswetha (Naga) Kantamaneni worked in computing and as a teacher in India before moving to the UK with her husband and child four years ago.

At first, she worked for the Royal Mail but missed her family back in Hyderabad and suffered homesickness. A friend who had worked in the care sector for 14 years suggested a switch in career might help.

“She was right, I applied to Caremark Wakefield and since working here I have become more settled,” said Naga. “I think it’s because I had experience of looking after elderly relatives in India and my work reminds me of them.”

Naga added: “I don’t look on it as a job, more as if looking after a family member. There is great job satisfaction in knowing you are helping to make their final years as comfortable as possible.”

Outside of work Naga likes to spend time with her daughter Tamanvi, going to the cinema or visiting different parts of the UK – with Blackpool being a particular favourite of Tamanvi.

Naga has been with Caremark for two years now and is looking to take advantage of the opportunity to do her level 2 and 3 Health and Social Care qualifications.

As well as helping the elderly, including a 97-year-old lady, Naga and the home care team also provide support for a number of younger people with disabilities, enabling them to get out of the house.

An example is the good bond Naga has formed with a 28-year-old woman who suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

“We found out she really likes swimming so once a week I take her for a session at the nearby pool which she really enjoys,” said Naga. “Everyone is different and the key is to get to know people and find out the little things that will make a difference to their lives.”