For some people, caring begins long before they choose it as a career. For House Lead Phoebe at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, that journey started when she was just 10 years old, where she discovered from a young age that even the smallest acts of kindness could brighten someone’s day. Now eight years into her career in care, that passion remains just as strong.
Whilst speaking to Phoebe, we were keen to find out what first inspired her to pursue a career in care.
She shared:
“I became a carer eight years ago, but my family have had their own residential care home in Plymouth since I was a baby. I started going there with my dad on weekends and during the school holidays, and from the age of 10 I’d help by making cups of tea and tidying bedrooms. “I fell in love with the job. Seeing someone smile just because I’d handed them a cup of tea and a biscuit showed me how much the little things can mean”.
Looking back, Phoebe says those early experiences continue to shape the way she approaches care today. For her, it isn’t just about supporting someone with personal care. It’s about being there when family or friends can’t visit, spending quality time together and helping people feel comfortable and safe. “Being a carer is everything to me” she shared.
We also asked Phoebe, “Can you share a moment in your caring journey that made you feel especially proud or valued?”
“I don’t think I can pick just one moment that’s made me proud of my job because I feel proud every day. But if I had to choose one, it would be a gentleman we cared for who was receiving end-of-life care. Throughout the time we supported him and when he sadly passed away, his wife came in, gave me a hug and simply said, “Thank you.”
For Phoebe, it wasn’t one particular event that made her feel valued, but the relationships she built with the people she supported and those closest to them.
“Another moment that has always stayed with me was supporting a lady who was living in an altered reality, and in her reality she believed she had a horse living in her wardrobe. Before supporting her, I would feed the ‘horse’ and, when I left the room, I’d stroke it and say goodbye. It brought such a smile to her face. She was also hesitant to accept personal care as she was frightened of water, but by doing this she began to trust me and allowed me to support her. Over time, other members of the team started doing the same.”
Rather than correcting what she believed, Phoebe entered her world and her reality. By acknowledging something that felt real to her, she was able to build trust, the foundations of comfort and safety.
Career Progression at Hatherleigh Nursing Home
Whilst reflecting on her career journey Phoebe shared:
“I’ve always worked as a carer, but since joining Hatherleigh Nursing Home I’ve become a House Lead. The Leadership Team have supported me throughout, and Induction Lead Clare made me believe that I could do it, and that I was good at what I do. She gave me the confidence to believe I’d make a good House Lead.”
Like Phoebe, many team members at Hatherleigh Nursing Home are supported to develop and progress through bespoke training delivered by the Evolve Care Academy. Reflecting on her journey, Phoebe says the encouragement she received gave her the confidence to take the next step in her career. While becoming a House Lead has brought new responsibilities, she says she has never lost sight of why she came into care in the first place.
“Some days can be very emotional, but I really appreciate the people I work with and the support I’ve been given. Caring has been part of my life since I was a child, and I still love it just as much today.”
From helping make tea at 10 years old to leading a household at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, Phoebe’s reflection shows that a career in care isn’t just about supporting people with their daily needs. It’s about building trust, sharing moments that matter and making a difference in someone’s day, however big or small.
If you’re interested in a career at Hatherleigh Nursing Home near Okehampton visit: https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/join-our-team/