Matt has recently joined Cavell Healthcare in the very important role of Care Coordinator. We caught up with Matt to find out what makes him tick…
How long have you been working in care and what inspired you into the industry in the first place?
I have been working in care since I was 15! I started out doing work experience as a volunteer in a brain rehab centre when I was at school and I absolutely loved it, so I decided to pursue caring as a career.
What do you love about it?
I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. It is such a joy to spend time with them and learn about their experiences.
What does the role of Care Coordinator involve?
Well about 2,500 visits a week! So, they all need to be planned and it is my responsibility to manage that rota and to ensure everyone knows where they need to be and when!
Are you entirely office based now?
Absolutely not! I would hate to give up caring – it is something I really enjoy – so I ensure that I rota myself on for care calls as well.
What makes caring as a career so special?
I think it is really personal. We are going into people’s homes and often helping them when they are at their most vulnerable. So, it is a privilege. It is hard not to form a bond with those people you care for when you see them every day as well and I think that is part of the joy of the work – it ceases to become work and it feels as if you are caring for a friend.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I love knowing that I have been responsible for ensuring all of our clients get the care and support they need from our Cavell carers week after week. On a personal level, it means a lot to go home knowing you have made a difference and benefitted someone else.
What is the hardest part of the work of a carer?
It can mean long days, but again, the job is what you make it. The beauty of caring is that the job can often be tailored around you, so, for example, I have carers who can only do school hours whilst their children are at school or night shifts, when their partner is at home to be with the children. The other challenge is that it can be emotional – we are only human and it can be hard watching someone’s health deteriorate, but we are part of the Cavell family and we all look after each other.
What are your future career goals?
To carry on working until I have my own care company. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than working in this industry for the rest of my life!
