Before joining the team at Westerton Care Home, Amanda Oxford was studying Health and Social Care at Anniesland College. While working at a call centre in the evenings and helping care for her mum during the day, Amanda was offered a placement at the home in 2013.
Life at Westerton is busy for the staff and residents, especially as the café and cinema is open 7 days a week. Amanda and the team don’t know what each day holds until they have consulted with each of the residents in the morning.
Amanda explains more: “Whilst on placement, I was offered a job which I quickly accepted, knowing it would help build my confidence and give me first-hand experience of caring for the elderly rather than just learning in theory.
“I knew from my first week at Westerton that I wanted to stay and look after the most amazing group of people I had ever met. I loved listening to stories of how things were back in the day – it really raised a few smiles and triggered lots of special memories.
“In 2014, I went on to complete my SVQ Level 3 to become a senior carer – I was up for the challenge as I knew I wanted to pursue a career and not just a job. Caring for my mum with the support of my dad really allowed me to appreciate how important one to one care is. It’s a big responsibility with some challenges but also lots of rewards. My gran was diagnosed with dementia in 2012 and again, this allowed me to experience what caring for someone with dementia involves.
“At present I am a team leader, and I’m in charge of the intermediate unit in the home. I admit residents who have been discharged from hospital but still need some rehabilitation to build up their strength before returning home or until they decide which care home they wish to go to.
“For anyone considering a move to the home, I would say with open arms come and join our family! Westerton is a wonderful place with lots to do and enjoy.”