Tuesday 26th November 2024
All through the night
Our night carers keep a careful watch over our family members, ensuring they feel safe and secure through the hours of darkness
Denisa, 44, Milward House, Tunbridge Wells
“I always wanted to work in a care home. I had a close relationship with my grandmother and when she had dementia I helped to look after her. Now, I want to do the same for others.
“I came to the UK from Slovakia and for many years I’ve worked as a domestic in the hospital. Eight years ago, I saw the job of night carer at Milward House advertised and decided to apply as it would fit with my other work. Some people are quite negative about care homes. They think everyone sits around being sad but that couldn’t be further from the truth – Milward House is a place of smiling and happiness.
“When I first started working nights, it was horrible. My body clock was so confused. Now it’s absolutely fine, I’m used to it. It can be a very busy job, with bells ringing. You have to be able to multi-task.
“I have my ladies who I call my ‘night birds’. They are the ones who stay up late watching television and they like it when I bring them cheese and biscuits. Sometimes I’ll help them pick out their clothes for the next day.
“Then I have my ‘early birds’ who wake up around 5am. I’ll help them get washed and ready for the day. I’ll make sure they’ve had the medication and talk about what they’re going to have for breakfast.
“Through The Way We Care training, I’ve learnt the importance of getting to know what different people like. At night some people like to keep their door open and wave to me when I go past while others like to have it shut. Some people like to have someone sit quietly with them and hold their hand, others will want a chat.
“People can get confused and frightened at night, especially those with dementia. What’s lovely is that our care home is small and has a family feel. People get to know my face and so when they see me they feel reassured and safe.“
Juywayria, 27, Evington Home, Leicester
“I started working as a night carer at Evington Home three years ago. My sister joined first and I joined a few months later. I love the calm atmosphere there is at night.
“If a family member can’t sleep, I’ll sit with them and they will tell me about their life. It’s interesting to hear about the different jobs people have done and the places they have lived – not everyone is from Leicester. People often talk about their families, for example a husband or wife who has passed away and about their children. It’s made me reflect on my own life and the importance of holding family and friends close.
“It’s interesting to hear about people’s faith in Jesus. There are lots of Bibles around the home and if someone is feeling low I’ll pick one up and read it to them. People find real comfort from it in the midst of their anxiety and grief. I’m a person of faith so I can understand the need to seek comfort in something spiritual.
“When I started as a night carer I was studying for my undergraduate degree in English. I’m now doing a PGCE and training to be a secondary school English teacher. Although I have a busy schedule, I’ll keep working here on a Saturday if I can as I enjoy it so much.”
Please pray:
Thank the Lord for our night carers whose work is often unseen but who are nonetheless a vital part of life in our homes.
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