In this episode, Caroline is joined by Doreen, one of Clifton Homecare’s Team Leaders, to talk about her journey from Nigeria to the UK and into a career in adult social care.

Before coming to the UK, Doreen worked in banking. When COVID changed her career path, she began volunteering to support older people in her community in Nigeria, helping with shopping, domestic tasks, companionship and everyday support.

In 2023, Doreen moved to the UK and joined Clifton Homecare as a care worker. She shares honestly about the challenges of moving country with three children, starting a completely new career and building a new life, as well as the support that helped her and her family settle.

Doreen also talks about progressing from care worker to senior care worker and now Team Leader, completing her Level 3 qualification and continuing to develop her skills and confidence.

The conversation explores the contribution overseas care workers make to social care and local communities, the importance of treating every worker with dignity and respect, and why care should be seen as a skilled and rewarding profession with genuine opportunities for progression.

For anyone considering a career in care, Doreen’s message is simple: it is a role where you can make a real difference to someone’s life, while continuing to learn, grow and build a career of your own.

For more information on a career in care contact 

📞 01253 722945
✉️ [email protected]

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

In this episode, Caroline is joined by Chloe Cook, Quality Manager at Training Works, to explore apprenticeships, career development and the opportunities available within adult social care.

Whether you are an employer looking to develop your team, someone considering a career in care, or already working in the sector and wondering what your next step could be, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Chloe explains what employers should look for in a quality training provider, why strong relationships between the apprentice, employer and trainer are so important, and how businesses can make sure apprenticeships are genuinely developing new skills rather than simply becoming a paper exercise.

They explore the different apprenticeship routes available, from opportunities for school leavers through to Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications, as well as career progression for people changing careers or returning to care later in life.

The conversation also looks at changes to apprenticeship assessment, off-the-job learning, funding opportunities, support for care leavers and apprentices with additional learning needs, and how employers can help people overcome barriers to learning.

With apprenticeships available to people of all ages and backgrounds, this episode highlights just how many routes there are into adult social care and how learning on the job can lead to a rewarding, long-term career.

Training Works can be found here: https://training-works.co.uk/

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

In this episode of the Do You Care? podcast, Caroline is joined by Henry Kibirige, founder and managing director of Caladium Cyber, to discuss why cyber security matters so much in adult social care.

Henry explains why care providers are increasingly at risk of cyber incidents, especially because they hold sensitive information about clients, families, employees, health needs and finances. The conversation explores practical steps care providers and care teams can take straight away, including building a cyber-aware culture, reporting suspicious emails or calls, using strong passwords and password managers, keeping phones and devices updated, and thinking carefully about how AI is used at work.

Caroline and Henry also discuss the Data Security and Protection Toolkit, Cyber Essentials, ISO standards, cyber insurance, and why the simplest everyday habits can make a big difference in keeping people’s information safe.

A useful episode for care providers, care workers, families and anyone interested in how good care also means protecting people’s data, privacy and dignity.

To contact Henry - https://caladiumcyber.com/index.php/aboutus/

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

Welcome to Clifton Homecare’s Spring Newsletter available in audio so you have the choice whether to listen or read.

In this episode, Caroline shares a friendly update on what has been happening at Clifton Homecare, including service news, team training and development, and the ways we are continuing to improve care and support for our clients and families. You will also hear about community activity, upcoming opportunities to get involved, and how we are working to keep communication as accessible and inclusive as possible.

If you would like to speak to the team about care at home, or any of the services mentioned, please get in touch.

📞 01253 722945
✉️ [email protected]

🌐 www.cliftonhcl.co.uk

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

Caroline is joined today by Judith and Fiona who share their thoughts on what makes a good care worker. This episode will be useful for people looking for care and support services as well as family members. It will also be highly relevant to those working in adult social care or those considering a career in the sector. Today's discussion is frank and based on  previous and current experience. 

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

In this episode Caroline meets with Vinnie. Vinnie talks openly and candidly about how the deterioration in her health felt like a bereavement to her. Vinnie's health deteriorated shortly after losing her wife therefore this was a second challenge Vinnie had to overcome in a relatively short period of time. 

Vinnie shares really positively how having some care and support on a regular basis has now helped her regain her independence meaning she can get out again and enjoy living her life; health permitting. 

In this episode Vinnie and Caroline discuss attending Manchester pride in the summer of 2025 and just what this meant to them both. 

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

In this episode Caroline is joined by Stacey, Clifton Homecare's care planing lead. Stacey has worked in the sector for several years and she is currently completing her level 4 Lead Practitioner in Health and Social care at the time of the episode going live. 

Stacey and Caroline discuss the importance of thorough and accurate care planning and how this helps ensure the team can provide good quality, safe care. 

During the episode we talk about NEWS 2; the National Early Warning score - see this link for further details; NHS England » National Early Warning Score (NEWS).

We also talk about the Mangar Elk; a lifting cushion used to safely assist clients off the floor who have fallen. See here for further information; Mangar ELK Lifting Cushion | Portable Patient Lifting Device | Winncare

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

In this episode Caroline is joined by Clifton Homecare's Mentoring Lead, Maria Berry. Maria talks about her role within the team, the benefits of mentoring and how she feels every social care team should have access to this level of support. 

Maria also talks about her role as a Team Leader and the synergy between leading and supporting a team helps people thrive, personally and professionally.  

Linked Information:

Maria and Caroline refer to Lars during this conversation. Lars providers Leadership support and his details are: 

Lars Isaksen - [email protected] 

07870 841942

www.larsisaksen.com 

Skills for care: Home - Skills for Care

Contented Dementia Trust (Specal): Home - Contented Dementia Trust

NEWS 2: NHS England » National Early Warning Score (NEWS)

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

Caroline and Craig discuss how Craig's redundancy made it necessary for him to look for another job in the early part of 2021; at the start of the COVID pandemic. It is fair to say Craig was not sure this was going to be a role for him, especially not because he was going to be supporting people with personal care. Together they discuss this and what a role in the adult social care sector actually looks like - as opposed to assumptions made and misperceptions. Craig summarises his journey to date and how he has risen from Domiciliary care worker to a Healthcare Support Assistant role in the space of 4.5 years. He also talks about the awards he has been nominated for and won over this time.  One stand out comment is that no 2 days are the same working in social care. 

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk

In this episode Caroline is joined by Lauren Taylor, Clifton Homecare's Assistant Manager. Lauren shares with listeners what her role consist of and how varied she finds this. Lauren is enjoying a long and fruitful career in adult social care and she reflects on her journey to date. Lauren feels lucky to be working in the adult social care sector and thoroughly enjoys all aspects of her role, especially when she is supporting the team to make a difference to clients and their families.  As part of her role, Lauren regularly responds to clients who are unwell or who have fallen, providing safe and responsive care whilst reducing the burden on the ambulance service. During the discussion Lauren also reflects on supporting clients at the end of their life and how rewarding this can be, when clients experience a good death. 

Contact Caroline on [email protected] for a friendly chat. This is Clifton Homecare's website for further information; https://cliftonhcl.co.uk