Caregiving can be so rewarding

Caregiving can be seen as a calling but it’s possible to retrain and become a carer, no matter what your background is.

Mary Anne Martins is a caregiver with Home Instead North Cork. She has been working as a caregiver for the past six years, and says it is rewarding and enjoys every visit with each client.

After retiring from a career in procurement with Blarney Golf Resort, Mary Anne decided to become a caregiver after helping to care for her friend’s mother.

This was a complete change of direction but Mary Anne found it was very fulfilling making a positive impact on a person’s life.

Initially Mary Anne found being a caregiver daunting when dealing with new clients but now finds it very rewarding and looks forward to every visit with her clients.

During the first lockdown, due to Department of Health regulations, Mary Anne was unable to work but returned to work once it was viable and has been working ever since.

When asked how she found working through the pandemic, Mary Anne said: “I was grateful to get out of home after quarantine to be honest, but I did see it was very hard for some of my clients who would have enjoyed being taken out for a meal or have friends and family visiting.”

Originally from South Africa, Mary Anne works in the Donoughmore area of North Cork. She describes her working day as including visiting various clients, assisting them with washing, dressing, toileting, feeding, making meals and of course lots of chatting!

She added: “All of my clients are lovely and so appreciative of the assistance they receive – I find the chat and knowing they are comfortable with me the most rewarding.”

Like Mary Anne, if you live in North Cork and have a passion for caregiving and would like to work for Home Instead North Cork, visit Homeinstead.ie or call 021-4309907.