Real Lives

It’s never too late to care

Nichola Featherstone

Hairdressing to Housekeeping

Each month 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 Nichola Featherstone, from Hatzfeld Care who has seen the Coronavirus pandemic take her from self employed hairdresser to member of the housekeeping team.

Nichola Featherstone has seen the Coronavirus pandemic take her from being a self employed hairdresser to a valued member of The Park Care Home’s housekeeping team. Nichola’s bubbly and caring personality have seen her seamlessly fit into the care home with both staff and residents. Within the last year, one of the most challenging across the care sector, Nichola has gone from a temporary contract to accepting a permanent contract providing essential support in the home.

The Park Care Home provides 24 hour residential care for adults with mental health needs.  The 35-bed residential home is a tranquil environment, supporting rehabilitation and recovery for people with severe and enduring mental health needs. One of the biggest assets of the CQC Outstanding rated care home is the caring team of staff.

As residents of the local town Nichola and her partner were delivering leaflets offering to help others when the first lockdown hit in March 2020. It was at that point that The Park Care Home Manager, Yvonne Hird, saw someone determined to help others and help gain control of a situation. The home was advertising for someone to join their house keeping team. Yvonne approached the pair and explained there were vacancies on her team at the care home. She said they were particularly looking for team members who had the same enthusiasm and determination that they were showing that day.

Nichola was quick to apply and is now a valued member of the house keeping team having settled in very quickly.  Nichola previously ran her own hairdressing business but due to pandemic she has put this on hold.

Toni Whitfield an Administrator at The Park Care Home said: “Nichola stands out from the team with her bubbly personality, determination and her enthusiasm to help others whilst ensuring everyone follows infection control to the highest standards.

“She ensures at the start of every shift, that all daily cleaning checklists have been completed, she plans her shift well and is always offering suggestions on ways to improve.

“She takes the time to spend with residents, offering her help and assistance to clean their rooms. She enjoys taking time to listen to the residents about their life stories and her conversations always make the residents laugh.”

Not only does Nichola go above and beyond in her role but she also often uses her break to sit and join in activities when they are on. She understands the pleasure it gives residents to have that vital one to one contact.

Nichola added: “I took the position in March 2020 when Covid 19 made an appearance on a temporary contract. I was then offered a permanent position which I accepted and have never looked back. I try to spend as much time listening to each service user and what they require in their own rooms to make them as happy as possible.”

 

Kirsty

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