A CHS adviser’s role

When Carehome Selection helped Enid Colbourn find a home for her own mother, she was so impressed that she joined the service as an adviser.

Enid, aged 67, has been working as a Carehome Selection adviser in the Worcester area for the past two years, visiting families and helping them make the right choice for their own relatives.

Enid explains: “Mum was in hospital when I was told she had six weeks to live and would need 24-hour care. I didn’t know the homes in the area, what sort of reputation they had or how good their care was. I started doing my own research, but it was very stressful and overwhelming.

“Then I was referred to Carehome Selection. My adviser Gail was wonderful – she really listened to me and understood what we needed for mum. Gail suggested a home called Bricklehampton Hall near Pershore which we chose for mum. I can’t describe how much it meant to me knowing mum was in the best place, out of pain, comfortable and really well cared for.

“Gail suggested I could become an adviser as I had done a lot of research on homes myself. Once I was ready, I applied and after two interviews, was offered the job.

“Having been through the process with mum, I have got a lot of empathy for what families are experiencing and can help them through it. I understand how stressful it is and that they might feel guilty because they can’t provide care in their own home. I know the sorts of questions they will have.

“I love my job – I feel like I’m putting something back into the community. It is a sad job sometimes, as people can be quite ill, but we are helping people get through a difficult time. You get a lot of satisfaction knowing that the people you help to place are receiving the best care in the right kind of home for their needs.

“Everybody we work with says it is a wonderful service and how valuable it has been. It’s very rewarding knowing your job means so much to people.”