September 25, 2024 - 808 views
A former shop owner who retrained as a social care worker after selling her business is in the running for a national award – less than a year after entering the sector.
Karen Dean, who ran a convenience store with her family for 30 years, was inspired to become a care worker after hearing about her friend’s experiences nursing her grandparents at home during the pandemic.
The 56-year-old, who lives in Rhyl, has been working as a support worker with Cartref Ni Ltd since September 2023, helping to care for three adults with varying learning disabilities in their own home in Rhuddlan.
The grandmother-of-two has now been shortlisted in the Wales Care Awards 2024, dubbed the care industry ‘Oscars’.
Karen, who has two grown-up sons, is a finalist for the Supported Living or Small Group Community Living Care Practitioner Award, sponsored by Citation & All Care.
Supported by lead sponsor Ontex Healthcare, and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, the awards recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector.
The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 18, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
Karen said: “It’s nice to be nominated, the industry doesn’t get too much in the way of good publicity and it should.
“I had a complete career change after owning a convenience store with my husband for 30 years. We sold it just before Covid and at that point I started looking for part-time work.
“For about a year, I went to work in Glan Clwyd Hospital for the British Red Cross, supporting people in A&E which involved talking to patients and getting them food and drinks. I also did book-keeping for a while for my son who runs a plumbing business before I spotted an advert for Cartref Ni and thought I’d give it a try.
“Everyday is different. Although my children would probably disagree, I think I must be very patient, and I also think you need to have a caring nature to be a care worker. It’s something you must enjoy, you can’t just do your shift and walk away, because you naturally become attached.”
Karen was nominated by Cartref Ni Service Manager Samantha Dodd as well as Assistant Manager Selina Davies and a parent of one of the clients she supports.
She is described as a ‘breath of fresh air’ and a caring person who is already working with the ‘best interests’ of those she supports at heart.
Since September last year, she has gained more than 25 training certificates with many over and above the statutory requirements. These include person-centred care, risk assessments, nutrition and hydration and mental health.
In one of many examples of her dedication, Karen underwent Makaton sign language training for a lady she supports with autism which has improved their communication and engagement.
“When you see them really happy and enjoying themselves you really feel like you’re making a difference to their lives,” she said.
“You start to see positive changes and with this lady in particular, it was lovely to know that she understands me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here, it’s not like going to work. There’s great job satisfaction – I just love it.”
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social across Wales.
“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.
“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.
“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce - they deserve to be lauded and applauded.
“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement."
