Throughout the year we profile a care professional who has come into the sector after a career change and who demonstrates that it really is never too late to care! This month we meet Catherine Rock, a CareGiver from Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, who’s journey working in retail led her to a career in care.
Catherine Rock had worked in retail for 18 years when she was forced to leave her job due to workplace bullying. The experience left her with anxiety and low self-esteem, and although she wanted to continue working, she lacked the confidence to apply for a new role.
So, when her daughter suggested she should join the care sector after seeing a job advert for Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, a local homecare provider, Catherine was hesitant.
“I didn’t think I was good enough to do a carer’s job. I thought I would need lots of qualifications and all I ever knew was retail,” says Catherine.
With a little encouragement, Catherine filled in the job application, and nearly six years on, she says it’s the best thing she ever did.
“I wish I had joined the care sector years ago because I absolutely love it,” she says.
Despite her lack of confidence, Catherine, 62, is now a highly trained CareGiver with a prestigious award under her belt.
In November 2023, she received the Homecare Worker Award at the Welsh regional finals of the Great British Care Awards, an achievement she never thought would be possible.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the ceremony because I had flu, and also my anxiety had kicked in. But Holly [Jones, Operations Director] messaged me to tell me I’d won, and I couldn’t believe it,” Catherine recalls.
“I was overwhelmed, and I didn’t think in a million years I’d win something like that. I must admit, I do feel quite proud. I realised when I received my trophy that I’d found my dream job. I knew this all along of course, but it had finally registered.”
Although Catherine had never worked in the care sector before, she always had a natural affinity for caring, and says the thing she enjoys most about her job is building relationships with her Clients.
“I looked after my neighbours and my parents when they were around, I just never thought I could make a career out of caring,” she says.
“The best thing about my job is the people – I just love seeing them and knowing that I’m giving them my best care. Some of my older Clients don’t see anyone other than their CareGivers, so it’s nice to be there for them.”
Catherine continues: “In the early days I looked after one lady with dementia, and I contemplated leaving the job because I didn’t think she liked me. My Trainer and Field Care Supervisor, Mel, encouraged me to give it a week, and so I did, and that lady became my best friend. She used to call me rock ‘n’ roll because of my surname.”
Catherine still suffers from low self-esteem, but when she’s reminded of how far she’s come since joining Right at Home, she is able to challenge any negative feelings she’s experiencing.
“I’ve just finished my QCF Level 2 in Health and Social Care and that’s something I never thought I’d achieve in my life, but I’ve done it, I’ve got the certificate,” she says.
“Before I retire, I can say ‘well, look at what you’ve achieved’, and that’s all down to Right at Home. The team has pushed me to where I am today and I’m forever grateful to them.”
@RaHBridgend_VoG
rightathome.co.uk/the-vale
