When did you join Acacia Homecare and what was your first role? 

I joined the company in August 2015 as a support worker.

What inspired you to start a career in care?

Uhm, my dad was very sick and sadly passed away on the 9th July 2011, but prior to this, he was allocated a carer who would visit him at home and administer his medication to him, she would sit with him and have small talk about day to day things, they spoke about how he's feeling and if he needed anything and she would offer to make him a cup of tea and something to eat. It seemed like a rewarding job, but I didn't really think too much into this kind of role, more so because I didn't know much about it and what it entails.

A few years later in 2015, after applying for many different job roles, Acacia Homecare invited me in for an interview, they organised shadowing for me, I went out not knowing what to expect, didn't know if I was cut out for this role as I've never had any experience of working in the care sector before. I just thought well let's see what happens. After day one of shadowing, meeting other carers and visting customers who were unable to do things for themselves, I was hooked, I just wanted to help them all and that's where it all started.

I was offered the support worker role. There was something about this role that really touched me. I was here to stay.

How did your journey evolve from carer to Customer Care Lead?

I was approached by our then Manager and the Director Mr C, asking me to pop into the office because they needed to speak with me. Off I went, hands sweating, stomach churning, I thought I was in trouble, but it was good news, I was asked to join the office and was offered a Care Coordinator role which involved planning the rotas, allocating carers to care calls and taking on the emergency out of hours phone calls. After some time, I approached Mr C and said that this role isn't for me, I'd rather go back into the field and do the job I was loving rather than a role I was not happy doing.

Mr C said we don't want to lose you so bear with us and let's come up with something else. After some time, I was approached again and asked if the Recruitment and Retention Lead role would be something I'd be interested in, I said I'd give it a go, I did take on this role and loved every minute of it, from sourcing potential carers to booking them in for interviews, booking their shadowing while Director Mrs C carried out the induction training with them, I soon took over with the induction training with the help and guidance from our Mrs C.

We also managed the care packages for our customers in Barnet, ensuring carers were allocated, liasing with the customers and visiting them at their homes. After some time and as the work load was getting larger and larger, new office staff were employed and I then moved on to the Customer Care Lead role where I take on new enquiries, book assessments with the customers and their families and ensure their care plans are completed to a hgh standard. 

Also, in 2019, I went for some training to become a Dementia Friends Champion and having had this role for a couple of years and completing further training, I am now a Dementia Friends Ambassador and I hold monthly online sessions for the wider public and for our carers.

What has kept you at Acacia Homecare for 10 years?

Well, I have to give credit where it's due, over the years, the Directors have been very supportive, even when things were tough, they were there to support me and guide me and for this, I will always be grateful.

I've learned a lot over the years and having had various roles and meeting new customers, their families and meeting new carers, I have to say, this is what has kept me here at Acacia Homecare. It really does feel like a family.

Ten years on, Dee's journey continues to inspire us all at Acacia Homecare. Her story is proof that when you’re part of a supportive, family-oriented workplace, you can grow, make a difference and find real fulfilment in your work. We are proud to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing the next chapter of her journey unfold.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, if you want a career where you’re valued, encouraged to grow and able to make a real difference, join our Acacia Homecare today. Explore our career page and start your own rewarding journey in care.