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Emma's Story
I was still at school when I decided I wanted to work in a caring role. I’m one of triplets, I have a brother and a sister, and my brother has autism. My best friend had Neurofibromatosis and she died when she was 15.
I helped to care for her, she showed me how to put on the ventilator and I took her from one classroom to another in a wheelchair. She made such an impact in my life because of her strength and her courage. When I met her, I just knew I wanted to help her. I loved being around her. It was very hard when she died.
My parents say I’ve always been the caring type. I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.
When I left school, I didn’t get in to be a nurse and I was devastated. I didn’t have an action plan. I became a health care assistant for Bluebird Care in 2012. A few months later I started a degree in applied social studies and social care. I was in full time education but during the holidays and at weekends I worked as a carer for Bluebird Care.
Then I had the opportunity to come into the office as a Care Coordinator. Now, at 32, I am General Manager with responsibility for coordinating the care teams and for recruiting new healthcare assistants.
My team are the most incredible bunch of people I’ve ever worked with. We all look out for each other; we all support each other. It’s my carers and my team that make Bluebird Care so special.
Being a carer is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do. Right from the start I liked the difference I could make. I loved seeing the smiles on my customer’s faces, putting a bit of lipstick on an older lady, putting on her lovely frock and making her feel that her life was still worth living.
On Christmas morning I’d put on my Christmas jumper and go in to see my customers with a smiley, cheery face. It was amazing.
Sometimes people just want to have a chat, to have a laugh and a joke. Being a friendly face is important because you could be the only person they see all week. Just doing something like a bit of ironing for someone can make them feel so happy and that you care.
Sometimes you look after people who’ve been in hospital for months or years and to help them come home is very rewarding. It makes my heart fill with joy, to know that we can do that for them.
People put their trust in you, and it’s a huge relief for families as well to know that the carers are coming in.
We were told that one of our customers only had two months to live, and he was with us for four years. To know he could be cared for in his own home meant everything to me. His family were so grateful.
This job is a vocation. You shouldn’t be in it if it’s just a means to an end, you have to care. Joining Bluebird Care is the best thing I’ve ever done. There’s never a dull day in home care, and that’s what I love about this job.
I’d help anyone, I really would. I always try to make people happy and to make them feel special.
In 2021 I was named Care Coordinator of the Year at the inaugural Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI) Home Care Awards. I felt the award wasn’t just for me, it was for the whole team. Having that support network around me means everything to me. I wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn’t for the team.
In 2022 I was named Manager of the Year at Bluebird Care’s annual awards. Receiving those awards meant so much.
I’m a grafter, I’m not naturally intelligent, I’m determined. I wasn’t very academic, and I’m more of a practical learner. I’ve always had to work hard.
I never thought I’d be here in my career. I always thought I’d never succeed because I wasn’t academic. But if you are relentless and determined you can succeed. If I can do it anyone can.
I know a lot of people are very proud of me. And if my best friend is looking down on me now, I’d say she’d be proud of me too.