Find trusted Shona-speaking carers

I am a self motivated, loving, caring and passionate about my job when delivering care. I believe in giving out what I expect in return from different individuals and this involves respecting other people's beliefs, dignity and confidentiality. I am good with communication skills, empathetic and enjoy having a good laugh. Caring is not easy as such I involve the individuals I work with in making choices for their own care, delivering individualised, person centred care is in the heart of my work.

I'm based in Milton Keynes and my work is mostly live-in and overnight care, staying close through the night and settling into the rhythm of a household over days rather than snatched visits. I find I do my best work this way, building the kind of trust that lets someone hand over the more personal parts of their care without feeling rushed. One evening a gentleman I looked after grew agitated, pacing the hallway with nowhere to settle. Rather than steer him back to his room, I matched his pace and softly hummed one of his favourite big band tunes. He stopped, hummed along, and we sat by the window while he told me, in vivid detail, how he'd proposed to his wife on a nearby pier. Moments like that remind me why I value patience over instruction. Over six years I've supported people living with dementia, learning disabilities, autism, Down's syndrome and declining mobility, along with catheter and PEG feeding, hoist use, wound dressing and end of life care. I speak English, Shona and Makaton, and I'm comfortable with the practical, hands on side of caring as well as the quieter, companionable side. If any of this sounds like a good fit, I'd be glad to hear from you.

Once, on my break, I saw an elderly woman struggling with her shopping outside Tesco. I carried it home for her, and we ended up sitting together over a cup of tea, chatting like old friends. That is the kind of moment that has stayed with me through 24 years of live-in care in Tameside. I looked after one couple for five years, right until they died, and their family asked me to read Bible verses at their funerals as a way of saying thank you. Cards and flowers followed, but it was that request that meant the most to me. Over the years I have supported people with dementia, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, heart disease, cancer and end of life care, alongside conditions like COPD, diabetes, osteoporosis and learning disabilities. I am equally comfortable with hoist and catheter care as I am with cooking a meal, doing the laundry, or simply sitting and talking. I speak English and Shona, and in a quiet moment you will usually find me knitting, cooking, or out for a walk. I stay calm under pressure and believe in treating people with the same dignity I would want for my own family. If you are looking for a live-in carer with that kind of steady, experienced hand, I would be glad to hear from you.