MeetFalmouth University Graduate Grace

Grace joined us as a Care Professional in early 2023 whilst studying at Falmouth University delivering companionship, personal care, home help as well as dementia care.  After graduating in June 2024, we offered Grace a permanent job working at Home Instead as a Senior Care Professional as she had really impressed us, her clients and their families.

What attracted you to the role?

It would have been seeing my mum care as she worked for Home Instead as well – seeing mum get job satisfaction out of it. Then I cared for my partner’s grandparents as well and thought it was something I can do as a job.  The people in the office at Home Instead were really lovely when I came in to chat about the role.

What do you like about your role?

I like making someone a cup of tea and having a chat. l Iike cooking for people as my partner’s a chef and I don’t get to cook at home – he won’t let me in the kitchen! Taking people out into their community and seeing them interact with friends in social situations, even with personal care, you still get satisfaction from it as you are helping them get ready for their day.

What were you apprehensive about?

First consideration would have been personal care as I don’t have kids and haven’t had to deal with it with anyone else in family, but you do get used to it really quickly. I don’t think I actually met or spent time with anyone with dementia, which worried me initially but all my clients tend to be happy and chatty and excited for me to arrive. As a young person I was worried people wouldn’t accept me as their carer – there were some people that are apprehensive about it, but after meeting several times, they really trusted me.

How has Home Instead supported you?

When I was at Uni was when I was having to study and had multiple deadlines so I had to ask for training to be pushed back.  I had regular check in meetings with the Team Leaders so that allowed me to voice any concerns. Joanne was on the end of the phone anytime I needed her and the same for office staff, someone was always reachable. Especially when out on my own for the first time, this was really important, it felt like a community that you get taken into to when you join.

How have your perceptions of the role changed?

I thought I would always be at home with a client, and everyone followed similar routines, but this isn’t the case. I don’t think I realised the variety of things that I would be doing, I didn’t expect clients to be active and as mobile as some are and they want to get out into the community with people.

What qualities you think are important for a care Professional?

Be able to make a good cup of tea, you have to be able to approach everyone with a “new face” as the client might have had a difficult day yesterday or they may have been a tricky person yesterday, but just to have a fresh perspective every time you go in as you never know what you will find. With client’s family and friends, you need to get involved with them so it makes you also feel part of the family.

How did you balance university and working for Home Instead? 

It could get overwhelming at times.  I remember having a meeting with Joanne to talk about it as it felt too much, especially in my 3rd year. But then we talked about schedules and Richard got involved and we decided to change my schedule to start later in the evening, so could have down time and study for uni. Home Instead always listen and thought about what was best for me.

Why did you decide to join Home Instead permanently after graduation?

Doing Uni I lost my passion for photography,  I think because I did not have full creativity over my projects.  But my passion for caring increased at the same time, so it just made sense.

How did you find the change from Care Professional to a Senior Care Professional?

All the other carers have been really supportive and I’ve even had Care Professionals offer to cover visits when I am on call even though I haven’t been here as long as they have!  I am really enjoying more responsibility.

What did you think of the training and support given?

It’s been good so far and I always have Joanne on the phone. She helps with scheduling and has spoken to me about some further training, which I am looking forward to.

What are your longer-term goals?

With 7 more cats! I’d like think I would still be with Home Instead, maybe managing a team of Care Professionals in a Team Leader role.  I am open to all of the opportunities and am happy to try anything including working in the office, hopefully having nailed scheduling by then!