Pam’s Story – How Care Matters to Me

For service users, the impact a care worker has can be life-changing. From providing company to help prevent isolation to allowing users to remain independent, they make a crucial contribution across our communities.

Pam, 61, from Scunthorpe, has spoken of her gratitude to the local care workers that have gone the extra mile to transform her life.

Nine years ago Pam suffered an accident that was to have life changing consequences. Damage to her spine left her wheelchair bound. Determined to reclaim her independence, she underwent a course of physiotherapy and accepted the services of a care provider.

Pam explained:

“I can do a lot of things for myself, although they do take me longer, but without the incredible support from care workers, I would be bed bound or hugely reliant on my family. The support they give me enables me to maintain my independence and dignity.

“When you receive care from someone, you must have a lot of trust and respect, and that works both ways.

“Each care worker has their own individual personality and I really value the relationships I have built up with them over the years. They have supported me through difficult times by showing compassion, reassuring me and making me feel valued by knowing what is important to me, they are priceless.”

Care workers have been singled out and thanked for going above and beyond for their service users during the pandemic, and alongside NHS workers, have received national praise. For Pam they are priceless:

“Words can’t express the gratitude I have for them. They are there for me when I need them and have always gone the extra mile. The freedom I have is down to them”, Pam added.

Crucially for Pam, the support of care workers meant that she was able to maintain the dynamic of relationships in her family, ensuring her child remained her son, instead of her carer.

Pam’s son, said:

“It’s a real pleasure to hear mum talking about the brilliant care workers she has had the joy of meeting since her accident. She really values their company and loves chatting to them about their own lives and what is going on in the world.

“It is such a relief to know that mum gets the support she needs. The peace of mind that mum is still very independent means so much to us.”

If you think you can make a difference to someone’s life, like Pam’s care workers have, visit the Careers and Training page on our website where you will find information and guidance to kickstart your career in care.