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Personal Statement – Carer Application
My first experience as a carer was a deeply personal one. Between 2010 and 2013, I provided full-time, unpaid care for a close friend, Rod Freed, who was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Despite having no formal experience in care, I supported Rod through a challenging time, learning quickly and adapting to his needs. With support from hospice services and professional carers later on, I managed key aspects of his care, including pain management, diet, hygiene, and emotional support.
Rod was able to maintain his weight for some time, and I assisted with his daily living needs, medical appointments, and personal care routines. I helped manage his lung drainage at home, organized his oxygen supplies and incontinence care, and was present for the initiation of syringe driver pain relief. I also acted as the central point of contact between his family, medical staff, and social services. After his passing in August 2013, I helped with funeral arrangements and continued to reflect on the impact of that experience.
Although I returned to previous work afterwards, I felt unfulfilled. In early 2020, a friend of Rod’s connected me to a carer position in Hampstead, where I began working with Professor, an esteemed legal academic in her 90s. This was my first paid carer role. Val required support with personal care, mobility, and later, dementia-related challenges. We spent lockdown together, and I cared for her through a severe bout of COVID-19, arranging hospital admission and supporting her recovery.
After her return from hospital, we worked on improving her strength and mobility. I introduced activities such as gentle ball games to support her cognitive awareness, which she enjoyed. Later, when she developed a pulmonary embolism, I recognized the signs and got her the urgent medical care she needed. Although her dementia progressed, she recovered physically, and before my role ended, we were able to go swimming together — a moment of real joy and accomplishment.
Following this, I worked briefly with Care Company in East Grinstead during the height of the pandemic. Though I don’t drive, I was able to assist with many double-up care visits. This was my first formal role with a care agency, and I completed training towards the Care Certificate. I gained hands-on experience with bed-bound clients, hoisting, personal care, feeding, and medication administration. I also encountered safeguarding issues for the first time, and was proud to contribute meaningfully during a very difficult period for some of our clients. I remember one gentleman in particular, who was isolated and low in spirits — we set up a TV and DVDs in his room to help lift his mood.
Since December 2021, I have worked as a live-in carer with various companies, supporting clients with Parkinson’s, MS, dementia, and mobility issues. I am familiar with equipment such as Sara Stedy aids and wheelchairs. More details of my roles and experience are in my CV.
I enjoy live-in care, as it allows me to build strong, trusting relationships with clients and truly support their desire to remain in their own homes.
I enjoy cooking and take pride in preparing nutritious, enjoyable meals for clients. I am based in East Grinstead where I have a secure and happy home, and I have no dependents. I typically prefer to work 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off. While I would ideally like placements in the South East or London, I have previously worked further afield in Cheltenham, Bath, and Winchester.
I am committed to the values of the 6 Cs of Care: Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment, and Care. I’ve found they often work hand-in-hand — for example, it can take courage to learn a new skill, which then leads to greater competence. I’ve had to raise safeguarding concerns in the past, and although it was a stressful experience, my commitment to the client helped me do the right thing.
Please let me know if you feel we can help each other.
________________________________________
Personal Statement – Carer Application
My first experience as a carer was a deeply personal one. Between 2010 and 2013, I provided full-time, unpaid care for a close friend, Rod Freed, who was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Despite having no formal experience in care, I supported Rod through a challenging time, learning quickly and adapting to his needs. With support from hospice services and professional carers later on, I managed key aspects of his care, including pain management, diet, hygiene, and emotional support.
Rod was able to maintain his weight for some time, and I assisted with his daily living needs, medical appointments, and personal care routines. I helped manage his lung drainage at home, organized his oxygen supplies and incontinence care, and was present for the initiation of syringe driver pain relief. I also acted as the central point of contact between his family, medical staff, and social services. After his passing in August 2013, I helped with funeral arrangements and continued to reflect on the impact of that experience.
Although I returned to previous work afterwards, I felt unfulfilled. In early 2020, a friend of Rod’s connected me to a carer position in Hampstead, where I began working with Professor, an esteemed legal academic in her 90s. This was my first paid carer role. Val required support with personal care, mobility, and later, dementia-related challenges. We spent lockdown together, and I cared for her through a severe bout of COVID-19, arranging hospital admission and supporting her recovery.
After her return from hospital, we worked on improving her strength and mobility. I introduced activities such as gentle ball games to support her cognitive awareness, which she enjoyed. Later, when she developed a pulmonary embolism, I recognized the signs and got her the urgent medical care she needed. Although her dementia progressed, she recovered physically, and before my role ended, we were able to go swimming together — a moment of real joy and accomplishment.
Following this, I worked briefly with Care Company in East Grinstead during the height of the pandemic. Though I don’t drive, I was able to assist with many double-up care visits. This was my first formal role with a care agency, and I completed training towards the Care Certificate. I gained hands-on experience with bed-bound clients, hoisting, personal care, feeding, and medication administration. I also encountered safeguarding issues for the first time, and was proud to contribute meaningfully during a very difficult period for some of our clients. I remember one gentleman in particular, who was isolated and low in spirits — we set up a TV and DVDs in his room to help lift his mood.
Since December 2021, I have worked as a live-in carer with various companies, supporting clients with Parkinson’s, MS, dementia, and mobility issues. I am familiar with equipment such as Sara Stedy aids and wheelchairs. More details of my roles and experience are in my CV.
I enjoy live-in care, as it allows me to build strong, trusting relationships with clients and truly support their desire to remain in their own homes.
I enjoy cooking and take pride in preparing nutritious, enjoyable meals for clients. I am based in East Grinstead where I have a secure and happy home, and I have no dependents. I typically prefer to work 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off. While I would ideally like placements in the South East or London, I have previously worked further afield in Cheltenham, Bath, and Winchester.
I am committed to the values of the 6 Cs of Care: Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment, and Care. I’ve found they often work hand-in-hand — for example, it can take courage to learn a new skill, which then leads to greater competence. I’ve had to raise safeguarding concerns in the past, and although it was a stressful experience, my commitment to the client helped me do the right thing.
Please let me know if you feel we can help each other.
Live in care work, Home Care, Care for close relative or loved one
London, South East, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Kent, West Sussex
Advanced
No Licence
Yes
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