Last month’s nominations for Star Carers was one of the strongest months yet with so many amazing stories to choose from. We selected Anne-Marie George who works for Nurseplus as we were touched by their list of things she does for her clients that are well beyond the usual expectations of a carer.
As Anne-Marie is deaf, and not one to talk in detail about the additional things she does for her clients, we have combined an interview with her manager Sian and a shorter interview with Anne-Marie herself this month.
Here’s what Sian Hurst, the Registered Branch Manager at Nurseplus, has to say about AnneMarie
“Anne-Marie George has been registered with us since July 2015 and has always been one of most reliable, loyal and caring carers. AnneMarie really does go the extra mile for her clients, but we only ever find out about this by chance, as she doesn’t let the office know about the extra bits she does. For example she was supporting one of our clients who is non verbal. We found that she had been compiling word searches for him (in her own time) which contained all the names of his carers and the coordinators who were familiar to him. She also added her nickname she had for him into the word search, which was ‘cheeky monkey’. He really enjoys doing these word searches and doing what she did made them specific to him.
She also hand makes birthday cards for all her regular clients, the birthday cards are specific to them, which makes their birthday even more special
Anne-Marie takes time to get to know all her clients, we feel she truly cares for each and every one of them and personalises the care she gives to people; she also keeps relatives up to date with daily bulletins if they want.
Anne-Marie’s caring nature also meant that when she found out that another carer who was due to pick up her runs while she was on holiday was sick, she cancelled her planned week away at very short notice, cancelling the hotel and the time she was due to have with her friend. Her clients came first she said.
Since she has been registered Anne-Marie has worked every festive season, ensuring all the clients received their care on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day; she is quite often the only carer working full time over this period.
Anne-Marie is also deaf, and overcomes many additional barriers to ensure that the care she gives her clients is the best. She is our CareLineLive Star.”
Anne-Marie – What was your reaction to winning CareLineLive’s January Star Carer Award?
I am very surprised and happy.
What aspects of being a carer do you enjoy?
Looking after people, having a chat with them, making sure they are safe and well.
How does CareLineLive’s Carer Companion App help in your job?
It’s good. The app is a lot quicker than writing the log books. It’s better now, people can understand each other’s writing in the notes.
What are the challenges in your job?
Driving around all day is tiring. My hearing isn’t good, but I just get on with it. If clients don’t understand, then I repeat things, and if I don’t understand them, then I will ask them to say things again. My clients know me really well as I see the same ones every day and they understand that sometimes I need them to repeat things.
How do you switch off after a hard day at work?
Watch Netflix and walk the dog.
