Emma Kitchen credits the Covid-19 pandemic for steering her towards a career in care.
Prior to this she was working in a bar but with Covid restrictions closing entertainment venues she needed to look for another job and this led her into homecare.
It was an experience she enjoyed and in 2022 she took her first job in residential care at The Millings and hasn’t looked back since, quickly rising to the position of Senior Carer at the home.
Emma says: “I’ve always had quite a caring side since a young age but the pandemic definitely opened a new door for everything.
“Care was the thing that everyone needed and so I took a chance and thankfully it’s the best thing I have done.
Whilst she enjoyed home care, Emma says residential care is now where her true passion lies.
“You just don’t get enough time to provide proper care in people’s homes, especially when some calls were only for 15 minutes,” she explains.
“You get much more time in residential care and you feel part of a proper team because we are together all the time.”
Emma often finds herself as the Senior in Charge on a shift which entails following a checklist of actions which need to be followed by the care and domestic teams.
She says: “We have a resident of the day initiative which is all about ensuring the care we provide is person-centred, so for example we will check they have enough clothing and wash items and generally make sure they are happy with the care here at The Millings.
“I also need to manage the dispensing of medication to the residents, arrange appointments or speak to health professionals, so it’s always a very varied day.”
When asked what she likes most about working in care, Emma says: “It’s being able to give something back to the residents, ensuring they are happy and generally just making their quality of life as comfortable as possible.
“It’s also nice seeing the family members and knowing they appreciate everything you do for their loved ones.”
In her spare time, Emma enjoys walking with her boyfriend and their friends and they are all currently busy chalking off the 214 Wainwright fells in the Lake District.
