I joined Harrow Crossroads in November 1998. A final year student I was in much need of the extra income, but needed to find a job that was flexible enough so as not to hinder my university career. I heard of Crossroads and felt that it met my requirements completely, but was unsure as to whether I was of the caliber to undertake such a demanding vocation. I considered my character and thought long and hard about my potential as a Care Support Worker, and concluded that I was fortunate to be able to make this choice, unlike the many Carers that the scheme represents nationally. I was happy to apply and, after a stringent selection process, accepted Harrow Crossroads job offer. I embarked on an intensive (ongoing) training programme followed by a couple of weeks observing experienced Care Support Workers carrying out their role.
I
now regularly assist up to ten Carers per week, and since joining Harrow
Crossroads have worked with many more. I
enjoy the variety of each job and the regular challenges that the work brings.
Since joining Harrow Crossroads I have worked with people of all ages
from children of 9 to 90 years old, suffering from many different
illnesses and disabilities. I am
currently spending most of my time with the younger recipients of the Harrow
Crossroads Scheme. I often
supervise activities outside the family home, as diverse as swimming or bowling,
to general social skills such as using public transport and shopping. Many of the youngsters look forward to the weekly outings,
and whatever activities we might do. There
is always an element of fun and often the rewards of a special outing or lunch.
The
older clients that I visit often have more complex needs than the youngsters.
The Carer may have their own health problems or may not have the chance
otherwise to have a break from caring. Visits from Care Support Workers enable the Carer to get out
of the home and catch up with much needed shopping and socialising with friends,
safe in the knowledge that the person in need of care will be well looked after.
As the relationship between the Care Support Worker and family grows, it
is quite common for the Carer to remain at home for a chat, as one of the most
common problems associated with full time caring is the isolation and
loneliness.
I
am greatly enjoying my work with Harrow Crossroads.
I am very fond of all the families I visit and have always been well
received, and often shown much gratitude.
I value the work that I do especially when my work maintains the dignity
of a person, or means that the cared for can remain at home in surroundings
where they belong.
I am encouraged greatly by the support that I receive from the Harrow
Crossroads office team, whose training schedule and provision of information
keep me up to date with the latest developments on the care front.
However my greatest admiration lies with the Carers whose 24 hour care
package for their loved ones, without break, reinforces the importance of the
Crossroads Organisation.