From Balloons to Care: How Emma Found Her Perfect Fit at Home Instead
Speaking to Emma, a Care Professional New to Care!
From Party Plans to Care Plans
After a decade of working in retail, helping people celebrate life’s big moments with party decorations and event planning, Emma never expected her next chapter would involve transforming lives in a completely different way—through care.
But 12 weeks into her journey at Home Instead Worthing & Steyning, Emma says it feels like she’s been doing this forever. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Taking the Leap
When the shop she worked for closed, Emma saw it as an opportunity to take a leap into something new. With a natural connection to older people and a self-described “old soul” spirit, care work had always been at the back of her mind.
“I just decided to throw myself in the deep end,” she says. “I’ve always worked with the elderly in some way. It just felt… right.”
Emma found us during her search and was met with a warm, simple recruitment process. Even while battling a chest infection, her phone conversation with our recruiter Chloe felt easy and genuine. An in-person meeting followed, and within a day, Emma had a job offer in hand.
Her response?
“Sign me up, baby. Let’s go.”
Training That Clicks
Emma describes the training with Naomi as “perfect.” For someone coming from outside the care sector, clear communication was key—and Naomi delivered.
“She explained things in layman’s terms, just simple and straightforward,” Emma says. “That made it stick.”
But it was the shadowing experience that truly brought the role to life. For Emma, who’s a visual learner, getting to observe and learn from experienced Care Professionals gave her confidence and practical knowledge.
“It brings the care plan to life,” she says. “You’re not just reading it—you’re seeing it, doing it. That made all the difference.”
Finding Her Groove
Now three months in, Emma says the role fits her like a glove.
“I genuinely feel like I’ve been doing this for years already,” she says with a smile. “It’s just happened so naturally.”
Whether it’s brightening someone’s day with a friendly face or being the only person a client sees that week, Emma cherishes the real impact she makes.
“I love being out and about, helping people—it’s such a good feeling. It doesn’t feel like work. It feels like I’m just doing what I’m meant to do.”
More Than Just a Job
At Home Instead, we believe that people who feel supported, stay. And Emma’s experience is a testament to that.
From feeling like a valued member of the team—”the famous Emma” as she was lovingly nicknamed—to knowing someone is always just a phone call away, Emma says the support from the office has been critical.
“I’ve had wobbles—who doesn’t when starting something new?” she admits. “But every time I needed help, the team were there straight away. That support has kept me here.”
She also values how quickly issues are addressed. “It’s always, ‘Let’s fix it. Let’s find a way around it.’ That attitude makes all the difference.”
Life Outside of Work
Outside of care, Emma is busy in the garden, growing tomatoes and prepping for spring planting. She’s a proud mum to a lively 7-year-old and describes herself as a true outdoorsy type who can’t stand being cooped up.
A little-known fact? Emma once auditioned for Big Brother and made it to the third round!
Her life motto?
“Live life to the full.”
She adds: “I try to find fun in everything—even in tough situations. If we don’t laugh, we’ll cry, right?”
