Emma Strickson, Registered Managing at Kirklees Choices Homecare, nominated Salmah Bibi as our Star Carer for November saying:
Salmah always goes over and above her duties for her service users. She works hard to make sure that they have everything that they need and always pays attention to detail, so much so, that she can tell straight away if one of her service users aren’t well and makes sure to seek medical attention straight away to get them back to their usual selves as soon as possible. It is a pleasure to hear service users and their families speak so highly of a care worker… Keep up the amazing work Salmah, you’re a star!
Salmah has been been a carer for over 10 years. We caught up and asked her about her work.
What was your reaction to winning CareLineLive’s November Star Carer Award?
I was shocked. I thanked Emma for nominating me but what she said was that she was thanking me through the nomination. It was really nice to be recognised but I wasn’t expecting it – hadn’t realised I had been nominated. I’m good at picking up UTIs and things like that. I try to be really observant. I check what they are eating and if they have missed eating I will see what the problem is. I try to keep a particular eye on them if they are prone to having problems.
What aspects of being a carer do you enjoy?
I love the job. I like helping people. I like that you get to know people. There’s a lot of job satisfaction in care. People are smiling, they look forward to us coming.
How does CareLineLive’s Carer Companion App help in your job?
I was really against it to begin with but now I think it’s absolutely brilliant. I’m not very good with phones so I thought it would be hard to use but I’m surprised at how easy it is.
CareLineLive has made life a lot easier – I couldn’t even read the handwriting of some of the other carers. It’s a big benefit having the notes available digitally.
Everything is documented, at the office they can see what I’ve written. And if I have a day off I will always read up what has happened with the client from whoever else was looking after them.
What are the challenges in your job?
Loads! When people have behavioural issues we have to try to find a workaround to get them happy and smiling. I can always get them to turn around from a bad mood though and I don’t leave them until they are OK.
Sometimes I see my clients more than I see my family but that’s all part of doing the job well.
How do you switch off after a hard day at work?
I think it is hard to switch off fully. Carers do the job because they like to care and if you care you will worry. I am often thinking about how to help my clients with whatever they are struggling with. The other carers might well text for advice too.
I am trying to get into yoga and the gym at the moment and I love reading.
