Sue Mead is our Star Carer for May. She works at Nurseplus in Andover. Sue came to work for Nurseplus and into care after her mother needed care. Her mother had Nurseplus and Sue was her mother’s carer. When she passed Sue made the decision that this was a job she wanted to do and has now worked for the company for over 10 years. She is not scared of a challenge and is very caring and compassionate. Sue has completed her NVQ with Nurseplus and works as one of their dedicated care professionals in care at home service.
Her Branch Manager, Wendy O’Brien nominated her for the award and says:
“Sue has been an amazing part of the team and she has been able to help some of her younger peers by sharing her knowledge.
Sue supports our client with autism. Sadly the client had a seizure due to his epilepsy which changed his behaviour. Sue was physically harmed by the client due to this. Sue carried on with her call she kept calm and kept the client safe. Sue had to have a short hospital stay. She came back to work positive ready to work with the same client and came up with ways to avoid the situation happening again. Her words were ‘I know it wasn’t him it was his condition and he will always be the same person to me’. Sue never lets anything faze her and she will go above and beyond to ensure her clients get the support she needs.
Sue has worked with clients with autism for a number of years, this was something she took on based on a client needing support. We approached Sue due to the complexity of the client and due to Sue’s nature we knew that she would work well with this client. Sue was happy to undertake the training and she has been supporting this client for over six years. Sue has since completed her Level 2 in autism and has completed in her own time Makaton so that she can communicate with her clients better.
Sue has always managed her clients very well, she looks after them and understands their disability and their needs. She works around what the client wants and how she can make this happen. This can be supporting them swimming, to the farm, out for walks. She is client-led. In lockdown Sue adapted her car to have a screen put in so that she could still take her client with autism out as the family were struggling and the client wasn’t able to understand what a lockdown was.”
What was your reaction to winning CareLineLive’s May Star Carer Award?
Jumped around the office. Really ecstatic, I didn’t know I was nominated and this is a lovely way to end my week.
What aspects of being a carer do you enjoy?
I really enjoy the whole package. The team work, the clients, the care the challenges. I don’t think there is any part of it that I do not enjoy. I am always happy to wake up in the morning and really enjoy doing my job.
What tips would you give to other carers working with people with autism?
A tip would be if you get to know the person well enough you are able to understand their needs without the disability scaring you. Always be willing to put yourself forward for additional training as you get to meet all different types of people and make a difference in their life. Treat all people how you would want to be treated. Sue herself is a mother and grandmother and she puts the maternal side into her role.
How does CareLineLive’s Carer Companion App help in your job?
I really enjoy working with the app. It has improved the communication skills within the team. I am able to read up on my clients and their needs, I am able to communicate with my clients who will be coming and when. I like that everything is live and I can see all updates.
What are the challenges in your job?
My challenges can be my clients due to them being unpredictable however, I find ways with the team to work around this to always be able to offer the support they need.
How do you switch off after a hard day at work?
Am I allowed to say a glass of wine? Normally a glass of wine and I chill with my dog. Everyone needs downtime.
