A lifetime of caring: Sean's story
Sean Russell has been working in social care
for almost 40 years.
He manages a care home at a centre for people with epilepsy,
many of whom have learning and/or physical disabilities.
Sean says:
“I like working with the residents and my team. I like working
hands-on and not just sitting in an office. To look after people
properly, you have to treat them as one of your own.”
Over the years Sean has witnessed great changes in the way
social care is provided. Back in the early 1970s all the houses had
large dormitories run by sisters and charge nurses.
These days the focus is very much on putting people first and
giving them as much independence and choice as possible.
Sean explains:
“Basically, we ask the residents what they would like to
do, and we organise the staffing accordingly.”
“As well as enabling people to go on holiday and helping them to
get out to the cinema, pub, shops, trips etc, there is also an
emphasis on learning skills, such as computing and
gardening.”
“We have a good team here. They really care about what they
do.”
His advice to anyone thinking about working in social care?
“You can have a rewarding career, and there are more
opportunities now for young people to climb the promotional ladder.
However, you have to be enthusiastic about wanting to make a career
of it by undertaking the necessary training. You also need to have
a very good sense of humour!”
Would you like to send us your story?
We plan to use your stories throughout our work to show how good
social care can transform people’s lives.