Case Study
Meet Louise!
Louise who joined Team Grant in 2023. We had a chat with her to experience so far!
What attracted you to the post? What were you doing beforehand?
The first time I saw the advert was on Indeed, and the first thing that caught my eye was Grant himself. He had a big smile on his face, he was surrounded by people I could clearly see loved him and supported him well, and he was always up to some sort of adventure! After seeing this I knew that I had to find out more. Prior to working at Team Grant I worked in retail where I had a 8-5 Monday-Friday job that I didn’t love -love! I wanted to find something that I love-loved where I felt fulfilled, and I haven’t looked back.
Did you have any anxiety about applying for the job?
My first thought when applying was; I have never done anything like this before! I hadn’t done any care work whatsoever and I thought that perhaps another candidate would have more experience and be more suited. Another anxiety was the fact that I didn’t know Grant. I didn’t know what he liked doing, what he could do, and how much support he would require. My anxiety’s were solved as I began my training period with Grant, where I was on a 3-1 basis, working with 2 very experienced members of staff. This helped me to get to know Grant really well, and without having any pressure or responsibilities whilst I was learning.
What does your working week look like?
As a full time member of staff since September 2023, I work typically 160 hours per month. This consists of a mix of dayshifts, night shifts and weekend shifts distributed evenly throughout the team. We always have our rotas 8 weeks in advance and this lets me plan appointments, going to the gym and my social life! I really like the flexibility of this work schedule and I enjoy doing different things with Grant depending on what kind of shift I am on! We always work 2:1 with Grant day and night and I have enjoyed getting to know and working with his other 11 team members.
What are some of the things you love doing with Grant day to day?
Day to day, I love being able to get out and about with Grant and doing fun things! I love going out long walks with Grant, and keeping up with him and his long legs - he is a fast walker! He loves swimming and he is making great progress in his technique every time we go (as well as having a good old splash!). We love going to a disco and having a boogie, as Grant loves all music. Grant also keeps busy with his G2EM work where we go and pickup and deliver orders!
Something Grant has been continuously working on is “sitting in” at food places together. We are getting better every time we go! As well as being out and about, Grant enjoys his home chill out time doing arts and crafts, Lego, jigsaws etc. This is just as important as he may not feel up for going out some days. Being able to match Grants energy and acting quickly depending on how he is feeling is something I do every day and is a must!
“I’m so glad I took the chance having no care experience and I look forward to the future with Grant and seeing him continue to grow.”- Louise
What are some of the challenges that you found?
There can be challenges to face whilst working here as Grant is a young man with complex needs. Whether Grant is feeling well enough to head out and about or perhaps wants to chill in the house, the main thing is to ensure Grant is able to lead a good of life as possible even when he isn’t feeling the best. I have learned so much about caring for someone who needs support with everything in life.
What does this look like?
I like to bring all my energy to work and for Grant , where I am ready for an adventure if Grant is up for it too! Grant needs us to help him join in on and have fun! On the flip side we may need to help him calm, nurture him and reassure him depending on how he is feeling. The key is knowing Grant well, reading where he is at mentally, emotionally and physically. You need to think on your feet, and always be thinking of the next step and what now!
“I am ready for an adventure if Grant is up for it too! Grant responds really well to us motivating him, by bringing an energy that he wants to join in on and have fun!”- Louise
Grant is a similar age to you and he requires support with all personal care, how did you feel about that?
I was aware from the beginning that Grant and myself were around similar ages! Personally it never ever fazed me in regard to personal care as believed I would treat him with dignity and respect , as I just saw him as a typical young man who just required support. I wasn’t put in a situation of providing this care until we both knew each other well.
Grant doesn’t use words to speak, was this new for you and how did you find it?
Having no previous care experience, I had never worked with an individual who doesn’t use words to speak. This was new to me, however I was so keen to learn and be able to communicate with Grant. Over time I was able to learn cues and read body language, facial expressions, actions and I learned how good Grant was at communicating without having to say a word. I am now proficient in Grants own language!
Would you recommend Team Grant?
I could not recommend Team Grant enough. I feel honored to be part of such a strong, well rounded, loving team of people and to have someone as amazing as Grant in my life. I feel lucky to call this my “job” and I feel so fulfilled doing it. I’m so glad I took the chance having no care experience and I look forward to the future with Grant and seeing him continue to grow. Every day is a learning day with Team Grant and I know that there may be more challenges he may face, however I know that I want to be by his side through them all.
