A day in the life of a Care Professional

When talking about the life of a Care Professional, there isn’t any such thing as a ‘regular day’. Every day is unique, full of human connections and they’re all rewarding in their own way.

Breaking Down My Day

My day could start with a person who likes to wake up with a cup of tea in bed, who is maybe a little forgetful and only needs some help with medications and a tempting breakfast to make sure they eat that morning. Or it could start with someone who can’t get out of bed without some help, who needs help with washing and dressing, who needs food to be cooked and brought to them and who needs their medication given to them. Every person has different needs but what is common for all of them is the need for a warm smile, a happy attitude, patience and some conversation.

Sometimes there is a spouse needing a little reassurance or a small break, which means our presence is important not just for the client. Sometimes there are grown children who can’t be there for their parents and so our presence reassures them too.

I feel very privileged to be a part of the lives of my clients and sometimes their families, to be invited into their private thoughts and memories, to share a laugh or whatever story they choose to tell me.

Some of my clients enjoy walks or car trips—whether it’s a pub lunch, a café visit, or a browse around a garden centre to check out new yarn (a favourite granddaughter has requested leg warmers!). Others prefer chatting about poetry, new hobbies, playing games, doing puzzles, or simply having company while watching TV to discuss what’s on. They love sharing stories and photos of grandchildren or favourite holidays, and when words don’t come easily, I’ll share a few of my own.

Of course, there are always chores, personal care, or errands to manage, but there’s always time for a chat—for companionship, laughter, and genuine warmth. These conversations can be the highlight of their day, and I love having time to make them count.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

Today, I spent the whole day with a client who lives with dementia, giving their spouse a well-deserved break. We started with a long walk, chatting the whole way about what we saw and where we were headed—questions and answers flowing both ways, even if some conversations were repeated. The trick is to act like you have never heard it before and actively listen.

Back home, we enjoyed a cup of tea and some music before heading to a local pub for lunch. There was plenty of friendly chat, good food, and familiar faces among the staff who greeted my client warmly.

Later, we played a few games, then relaxed with more tea and Frank Sinatra. When my client mentioned wishing they’d seen him live, I found some clips on my phone, and we enjoyed his performances and a few classic film scenes.

It was a calm, pleasant day, with meaningful time spent together—and peace of mind for the spouse, knowing their loved one was content and cared for.

No Two Days the Same

Yesterday, I spent time with a client who loves poetry, so our conversations always drift there. Alongside helping with medication and housework, there’s always time to chat about poems or their latest hobby.

Next, I took a client out to run errands, and afterwards, we enjoyed a walk in a new spot—past a duck pond and orchards—chatting about life and some exciting new knitting ideas.

Then it was on to a visit focused on household chores. Even though practical tasks take priority, there’s always time for a tea break and a friendly chat.

My last two calls were with clients needing help with dinner. While cooking, there’s time to catch up, unload dishwashers, hear about grandchildren, or check the fridge for out-of-date items. Multi-tasking is part of the job, but no two days are the same—and that’s what I love about it.

The job of a Care Professional can be mentally, emotionally and sometimes physically hard, but the rewards by far outweigh all of that. Knowing that we make a positive difference with everyone, that when we leave, people are a little happier and more comfortable, that they feel seen and heard, is a rather wonderful feeling and makes me feel very fortunate indeed.