Practicality over Pride - Evelyn's story

 It was a big step for me, admitting I needed some help around the house. At first, I didn't like the thought of being dependent on somebody else. But since my husband passed away two years ago, it has become harder doing the things I used to take for granted.

At 77 years old, I still feel good in myself. But age does eventually catch up, as does the arthritis. I suffer from it in my hips and back. I have good days, but also days when it flairs up and even the simplest of tasks become hard work.

It was whilst loading my washing machine that my daughter saw me grimacing and struggling to bend.

"I think it's time we got you some help around the house" she said. "Nonsense!" I scoffed. But deep down, despite my pride initially ruling my head, I knew she was right.

After another week or so of struggling, and my daughter's persistence, I agreed to, at least entertain the idea of some assistance around the house.

We sat down with her laptop and scoured the internet. We did our research, did some comparisons and liked the look of Avanta Care's website. My daughter called the number on my behalf and arranged a meeting for the following morning. I was still sceptical and still had my reservations, but was willing to meet her.

The following morning, we met with Avanta Care's Sharon. She was lovely, friendly and very helpful. I was insistent I did not need full care, just help with the odd household chore. Sharon reassured me that   her team could provide as little or as much help as I needed. We agreed on a 1 hour per day plan to begin with, with the flexibility to adapt the plan as I needed.

Stephanie, my care assistant came the following Monday. I felt strange, almost awkward letting somebody in to my home. Stephanie was very pleasant, and asked how she could help. She began by doing some housework, dusting the higher places I can no longer reach.

As the weeks passed, I extended the plan to 2 hours per day. Not only was it lovely having the help, I enjoyed the company too. She prepares meals for me, goes shopping and no job I require has been too big for her.

I am so pleased with the service I've received, and only wish I'd done it sooner!

Evelyn, Leeds

My journey so far

Hello, my name is Dimitar and I am a care assistant. I currently work at a care home in Norwich. This is a blog about my journey so far.

I am from Sofia in Bulgaria, and moved to the UK two months ago. Avanta Care arranged my travel and accommodation, and I arrived in July 2014.

Leaving home

On the morning I left Bulgaria, I was a little nervous, as to be expected. I was moving to a new country and leaving my friends and family behind. Nervous, but also excited to be starting this adventure.

I arrived in Leeds with 7 other people, and was greeted by a warm, smiling face. It was Diana, one of Avanta Care's consultants. She was very friendly and helpful, and put my mind at ease.

We travelled to the hotel in Leeds, which was to be our home for the next week. We had the weekend to explore Leeds and take in some of the sites.

Training

Training began on Monday morning. We were studying towards an NCFE Level 1 Award in Preparing to work in Adult Social Care.
It is a week-long intensive training programme.

Training was good - very detailed, but done in a relaxed environment. We covered all aspects of care, including moving people (See picture).

We all passed the training course, and were now qualified care assistants ready to work.

My work placement

I was called on Saturday by a member of the Avanta team to say I had a work placement ready for Monday. I was amazed at how quickly they had found me a position.

The placement was at a care home in Norwich. Avanta prepared me a travel plan and some accommodation, and I travelled down by train on Sunday afternoon.

I arrived in Norwich and was greeted by Anne, the care home manager. She was lovely, very helpful and showed me around. I met some of my colleagues, who were all very friendly. I knew I was going to enjoy my team here.

My accommodation was a 10 minute walk away, so I left the care home and went to see my new home. It was nice and my 2 housemates made me feel welcome.

I began work the following morning, and have been there for two months now. I work on a shift pattern, with some night shifts and I love it. The staff and residents are so friendly, and Norwich is a beautiful city.

My day to day duties vary from helping the residents with washing and getting dressed on a morning, to helping with housekeeping, preparing meals, and assisting them in to bed on an evening.

I am so grateful to Avanta Care for helping me on my new journey. They have made everything flow smoothly, and made this an easy transition for me.