When it comes to caring, Sharon Newman takes the approach that every person she looks after is like a member of her own family.
“I just think if it was my mum or dad, how I would want them to be treated and how I would want to be treated myself?” she said.
“That is how I go about my job every day.”
Now Sharon, who works out of our Heacham office, has been recognised with a GEM award for her kindness and compassion in helping a service user and her family through some difficult and stressful emergency situations.
The family member who put forward the nomination told how her mother was found lying on the floor during a care visit.
“Sharon assessed mother, with all care and compassion and kindness. She made sure mother was comfortable whilst on the floor waiting for the ambulance. Sharon was very consistent with mother offering her reassurance to both mother and me the whole time.”
When Sharon visited on another occasion, she found the service user was suffering from chest pains. She sprang into action again, immediately ringing 999 and offering support while waiting for the emergency services.
“Sharon was again very caring and offered her kindness and was very empathetic,” the nomination said.
“Sharon is always, without a doubt, a fantastic, kind, caring person who offered a great deal of respect and kindness.”
Sharon, who lives in Warham, has been with us for two years after spending time working in care homes. She says she initially was nervous about making the switch to caring for people in their own homes, but has never regretted the move.
“Every day is different. I love the job and being able to help people stay in their own homes,” she said.
“I would never have dreamt I would have done this and I was really nervous when I started the job as it is totally different to working in nursing homes. There was quite a high demand for carers and I thought I would give it a go - and I haven’t looked back.”
Building a rapport with service users is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job for Sharon.
She said: “I have one chap now who actually comes to the door and he stands and waves and he won’t go until I have driven off.
“Sometimes you are the only face they see all day. My colleagues that I work with as well are absolutely brilliant - they are a great team.”
She added helping people stay in their own homes and be independent for as long as possible was the most rewarding part of the job.
When it comes to winning the GEM award, Sharon said it was a huge surprise.
“I am very grateful for it. It shows you are appreciated,” she said.
The GEM award winner from our Broadland office was Sue Symington, who was praised for “bringing help and happiness…with more than special care.”
Nominations for the next awards can be sent to Extra Hands by email to: contact@extrahands.net
Or by post to: Extra Hands, Units 13/14 Heacham Hall Industrial Estate, Heacham PE31 7JT (01485 570611) or Unit A10 Abbey Farm Commercial Park, Southwell Road, Horsham St Faith, Norwich NR10 3JU (01603 898623)
Nominations can be made by a service user, a family member, staff or someone who notices the extra effort being made.
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