A former volunteer at a Rotherham based care home has utilised the skills learnt as a volunteer and worked her way up to a senior care assistant.
Shanelle Elliot started her journey at MHA The Beeches, in Wath upon Dearne, which provides residential and dementia care for up to 44 older people, as part of her Level Three Health and Social Care qualification.
She had to complete 200 work placement hours, which included some at MHA The Beeches and now at the age of 19, is the youngest senior care assistant at the home.
Speaking of her time at the home she said: “I love working at MHA The Beeches.
“I live very close and when I was offered the job after college it was a no brainer. When I did my volunteering placement I was very impressed with the home.
“The staff and residents are lovely and I really enjoy working here.
“There have been tough times, especially during the height of the pandemic with the ever changing guidance but we managed to pull through and work together.
“There are always staff members on hand who are willing to help, and we are like one big happy family.
“Sometimes we spend more time with the staff members and residents than we do at home so it’s good to have a bond with the team.
“For me personally I consider the residents as family, I always put myself in a position where I think if my family were in a home I would like for them to be looked after.
“The job can be daunting, but my advice would be to always ask for help and don’t be afraid if you are feeling uncomfortable or struggling.”
