Anthony

I have always been a carer in one way or another since I was 12 years old when I lost my mother to cancer and I began to care for my father; arranging his finances, doing the cleaning, washing, ironing, gardening and cooking. I moved to London at 18, to complete a BA Economics course.

After spending over 20 years in the investment banking industry in the City of London, the COVID 19 pandemic was a turning point in my life. Like many, the lockdown period gave me time to reflect on what truly mattered to me. I was one of the first wave of volunteers in the vaccination centres in January 2021. I realised that I wanted my career to align more closely with my personal values—particularly the desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. This introspection led me to transition from the world of investments to the care sector, where I felt, I could contribute to society in a more meaningful way.

I am very passionate about caring for all individuals with respect and dignity. I treat everyone I care for as if they were my own mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother. Since March 2022, I have cared for children as young as 7 years old to adults as old as 101. From personal care to companionship, I have always encouraged the people I care for to be as independent as they can. I am here to support you in your life choices so that you can maintain that independence and enjoy your life to the full. 

One of the gentlemen I care for is a 61-year-old gentleman with Parkinsons and type 2 diabetes. When I first met him, he could not dress himself, take himself to the toilet, had not gone out in over a year and was unhappy with his weight. Through my encouragement and support his health and confidence grew, and over time he was happy to regularly go out to social events. He used to love my cooking, and I enjoyed introducing him to tasty healthy alternatives to his favourite dishes. Through nutrition management and exercise we managed to reduce his weight from 21 stone to 18 stone. This improved his mobility, which in turn allowed him to take himself to the toilet and dress himself, improving his independence and ultimately making him a happier individual. 

If it is your first time receiving care or if you are changing to a new provider, it is a huge step, and you should feel confident that you will be listened to. I believe that it is vital that you are completely at the centre of any decisions involved in your care.  Every individual is different so your care should be tailored around you and your unique individual needs, preferences and circumstances. I love caring and take personal pride in making a positive impact upon people’s lives.