Natalea’s story, Care Manager

I thought I would share my story with you on how I got to where I am today…

It all started for me from when I left school with an unsure mindset of what I wanted to do with my career. As a high percentage of girls that come out of school with the same feeling, we turn to the girlie option of life, beauty therapy.

During this time I had to face a horrible reality, watching a grandparent suffer with Alzheimer’s Disease. Watching my Grandad forget how to plant his flowers, walk to the shops, get dressed in the mornings, play bowls and darts with my nan and remember who his family were when they came to visit was one of the hardest things I have ever had to watch and deal with.

My Grandad was one of my best friends, he was someone that I could always cuddle up to and of course, always get my own way with. Knowing that he was alive, but no longer with us in his mind, was heartbreaking. My Nan, Mum and Aunties spent the last few years of Grandad’s life trying to keep his day-to-day life as normal as possible, taking him out for meals, to the garden centre, day trips, staying over at families for the weekend and always having lots of family around him.

Grandad was lucky to have had amazing carers supporting him in-between this to allow him to stay at home with my nan, where he belonged. Without this care team, my Grandad would have had to go into a care home and spend his time away from things he enjoyed and the people he loved too soon. Sadly, Grandad lost the battle against Alzheimer’s a few years later when he passed away.

The day I lost my Grandad was the day I realised, this is the career for me. I want to help others achieve far more than meet basic, practical needs. I want to make their lives as normal, happy and enjoyable as possible for as long as possible. Just as those carers did for my Grandad.

I started my career as a Carer and after only 3 weeks of finding my feet in the industry I knew this was going to be my future. I love helping people and knowing that big or small, I was making someone’s day that little bit easier or uplifting. I have been in the industry for nearly 8 years now after progressing through various roles and responsibilities and now finding myself in a Registered Care Manager’s position working for Radfield Home Care. I can safely say, this industry is where I am staying and I urge others to join me. You won’t look back.

The feeling of happiness and reward I go home with everyday knowing that what I am giving back to lives, makes everyday worthwhile.

Carers to me, are an inspiration. The long unsociable hours, the traveling, in all different weather conditions and the emotion and upset that comes with the job is a small part to how you make others feel; Independent, Nurtured, Safe, Secure and Fun.

“I always keep that smile on my face and want to make a positive difference to the lives of others.”

Natalea Haydon
Registered Care Manager
Radfield Home Care Havering & Brentwood