CHRISTMAS DAY WORKERS: Inverness carer bringing joy on the big day
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Abby Henderson (27), of Highland Home Carers, loves her work and making the festivities memorable for those in her care only adds to that sense of job satisfaction.
Patience, compassion, common sense and a friendly, fun demeanour are all traits that serve she and her colleagues well in helping those with learning and physical needs.
This Christmas Day she will aim to ensure the woman in her care enjoys a magical morning and early afternoon during her shift from 7.30am to 3pm.
The lady in question lives in an independent house within a complex of eight near New Craigs, where residents benefit from individual 24-hour care.
“I’m working the morning shift this year, so we try and make it as special as we can for those we look after,” Ms Henderson said.
“I usually have the music on full blast, running around singing and trying to put a smile on their faces!
“It is always lovely to see them light up when opening their presents as well. It won’t be quite the same this year because of Covid, but usually one member of staff will make the bacon rolls for all of us working and we’ll all go over there for a wee bit.
“We usually try to get them all together for Christmas lunch, but there will obviously be social-distancing this year.
“Despite Covid, we’ll try to make it as special as we can for them.”
Ms Henderson has been in her chosen profession for three years and is studying for an SVQ2 qualification through her workplace.
“The person I’ll be looking after is generally able to do most things herself. I’ll help her get up in the morning and open her presents with her,” she said. “Then it’s just getting her ready and doing all her personal care as normal.
“I usually go home after work and have my Christmas dinner as my mum and family like to have it later.
“I love my job and it is rewarding, and that makes up for working Christmas Day. Not all of our service users know exactly what’s happening, but those I work with understand – and get very excited about Santa coming!”
