After 40 years working outside in all weathers, scaffolder and hod carrier Andy Lawson was ready for a new career path.
He saw a flyer for our recruitment open day at Avocet Court Care Home, in Ipswich, and came along hoping to be interviewed for a carer role.
Andy’s beaming smile and engaging personality caught the attention of our recruiters and they discussed him joining the Lifestyles team.
After a successful interview, and revealing he was a talented singer, Andy was offered the job. He joined the team last month and is working on our Harlech Community, providing engaging activities for residents living with dementia.
“I come to work smiling, I smile while I am here and I go home smiling. It really is the most rewarding job, when I see residents getting involved I know I have made a connection.
“I didn’t know such a role existed,” said Andy, who moved down south from Scotland 40 years ago. “When I heard this was an option the smile on my face grew even bigger.
Andy has built a reputation for himself as the king of snakes and ladders, using a giant set of the traditional board game to allow multiple residents to join in and he is often found singing along to the radio.
“It may seem like just a game but I get them throwing the giant dice about, so it becomes a physical activity as well.
“We always have the music on in the background, hits from the 1950s and 60s because that brings back memories of happy times for our residents.”
‘Play your cards right’ is another of his favourites and Andy is using skills from his former life to build some raised planters from scaffolding planks so the residents can get involved in gardening.
“I am looking forward to doing more outside, it is so important that we get out and make use of the garden space here.”
Andy has been spending time getting to know each individual, understanding their life history so he can introduce activities that resonate with the residents.
“It has amazed me how our residents immediately enjoy recalling their past; they tell me about their jobs, interests and their hobbies. In Lifestyles, we have a unique role, where we make a difference to someone’s day by giving them the chance to do activities which they simply couldn’t enjoy at home.”
Andy said he would encourage anyone considering a career in care to make the jump, saying it was the best decision he could have made.
Jenni Rowan, Resourcing Manager for Athena Care Homes, said: “At Athena we are passionate about finding people with the right attitude, skills and values for each of our roles.
“We immediately recognised the value Andy could bring to our residents’ lives with his positive attitude and bright disposition, and knew he would be an ideal candidate for the lifestyles role.
“We have enjoyed watching him develop and become an invaluable part of the team at Avocet Court.”
See here for our latest vacancies across the Athena Care Homes group
