19 year old Chloe Beardmore is a healthcare assistant here at Barrowhill Hall and she says working in care is hugely rewarding and recommends other young people consider it as a career.

She says there are many reasons why someone should consider a career in care but for her, it was her grandad, Ken, who was her motivation in taking on a role caring for and helping elderly residents.

“My grandad is my favourite person!” she says. “He really inspired me to work in the care sector. I used to look after him a lot and he just lives around the corner.

“Seeing the residents happy and giving them the care they need makes me happy. It’s such a rewarding job and it’s fun too; we are always doing all sorts of activities from painting the residents’ nails to drawing with them.

“You get really close relationships with the residents, we’re like a family.”

Prior to working at the care home Chloe was a qualified lifeguard and swimming teacher at Cheadle Leisure Centre and she wanted to continue working a role where she was able to help people. She says;

“The great thing about being a carer is that I didn’t need to have qualifications. I have been able to train on the job and the home is going to help me to do my NVQ qualifications whilst I work here. When you first start you are always working with someone experienced so you can shadow them and learn the ropes. It’s very hands on and there’s a lot of team work involved.

“It’s also great because I’ve been able to continue the swimming lessons and I teach 2-3 days per week alongside my role here.”

Care home manager, Dania Meadows, says;

“It’s brilliant to see young people in care roles and we would love to have more on our team.  Qualifications aren’t always necessary – those can be studied for – but what you can’t teach is care and compassion, and Chloe has that in spades.

“You can see her bonding with the residents, no doubt because of that special relationship she has with her grandad. Younger carers often have that due to their more recent relationships with their grandparents. Our residents certainly love Chloe!

“I’m very committed to all the staff here and if they want to progress, we will help them. This doesn’t just have to be a job, it can be a career, there’s no end to where it could lead.”