National Office
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National Office
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Sometimes, the most meaningful connections in care come from simply finding someone who understands.
This is the story of our Polish speaking Care Professional Justyna and a Polish gentleman who came to England at different stages of their lives, but whose shared language and culture have created a special connection that has had a wonderful impact on them both.
Justyna came to England from Poland around ten years ago with her fiancé. Having studied Social Work and Sociology in Poland, she had always dreamed of working with older people and supporting them in later life.
Three years ago, that dream became a reality when Justyna joined Radfield Home Care as a Home Care Professional. While she has worked across the service, much of her time has been spent supporting people at the weekly Day Centre.
Justyna is naturally a quiet and shy lady. At times, she can lack confidence, particularly when communicating in English. Although she has lived in England for many years, English is not her first language, and the language can still surprise her from time to time.
She is not someone who naturally seeks the spotlight or wants to be the centre of attention.
That was about to change.
The gentleman Justyna supports is 72 years old and living with dementia. Originally from Poland, he came to England four years ago following the sad loss of his wife. He moved to England to live with his son and daughter-in-law.
There was one significant barrier to his becoming part of life at the Day Centre: he speaks no English.
When he first started attending the Day Centre, he was understandably very reluctant. Coming into an unfamiliar environment where he could not understand the language around him presented a significant barrier.
He had a small English translation book to help him communicate, but it was clear that something more was needed to help him feel comfortable, included and able to participate.
The Care Manager recognised this and saw an opportunity.
Knowing that Justyna was Polish speaking carer and could communicate with him in his first language, the Care Manager paired the two of them together. Justyna became his support and his ‘go-to’ person at the Day Centre.
It was a simple decision, but one that has made a remarkable difference and helped them both overcome language barriers often present within care.
With Justyna alongside him, he has been able to understand what is happening around him and, most importantly, take part.
Whether she is explaining an activity, helping him understand instructions or simply giving him the reassurance that someone understands him, Justyna has helped remove the communication and language barrier that could have left him on the outside.
He is now able to join in with group activities, learn new skills and even pick up some English words along the way. He can interact with the wider group, speak with people he may otherwise have struggled to communicate with and, importantly, have choices.
Rather than sitting on the side-lines and watching others take part, he is now able to understand what is being offered to him and decide whether he would like to participate.
The change in him has been wonderful to see.
There is a noticeable increase in his confidence, and he is becoming much more comfortable within the Day Centre environment. He is communicating, laughing, learning and forming connections with people around him.
For someone living with dementia, while also adapting to life in a new country without being able to speak the language, having someone who can understand him has given him a real sense of security and belonging.
But this story isn’t only about what Justyna has done for him. It has also had a profound impact on Justyna herself.
Supporting him has given her a sense of purpose that only she can fulfil. Her Polish language and cultural knowledge, which may sometimes feel less significant in an English-speaking environment, have become a real strength.
She has found something that she can offer him that nobody else at the Day Centre can provide in quite the same way. It has been lovely to see Justyna come out of her shell.
The team regularly see the two of them chatting away together in Polish, sharing smiles and laughter. There are moments when the rest of the team find themselves wondering what they are talking about!
For Justyna, this relationship has brought a genuine sense of achievement. She has become more confident in herself and in what she can contribute. She has a greater sense of purpose within the Day Centre and has been able to step outside the quiet and shy nature that she has always carried with her.
Most importantly, she now knows that something that once made her feel less confident, speaking English as a second language, can also be one of her greatest strengths as a Polish speaking carer.
Justyna has continually looked for ways to make sure he feels included.
During a literacy day at the Day Centre, she brought in her own Polish books and magazines so that he could enjoy something familiar from his own culture. It was a thoughtful gesture, but it also created another opportunity for him to share something of his own background with the group.
Justyna has also created Polish-English flashcards to help him communicate with staff and, in turn, help staff communicate with him.
These are small things, but they have made a significant difference.
They show that inclusion is not simply about inviting somebody into a room. It is about making sure they have the communication, support and confidence they need to feel that they genuinely belong.
The relationship between Justyna and the gentleman she supports is a wonderful example of what person-centred care can look like in practice.
For families navigating dementia care for non English speakers, it demonstrates the importance of looking beyond someone’s immediate care needs and understanding the person behind them, their language, culture, history, experiences, and individual preferences.
For him, our Polish speaking carer Justyna has helped open a door to a world that may have felt difficult to access. She has given him the confidence to participate, communicate and make choices. She has helped him build relationships with other people and become part of the Day Centre community rather than feeling isolated within it.
For Justyna, he has helped her discover a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. He has given her an opportunity to use her own experiences, language and cultural understanding to make a genuine difference to another person’s life.
Together, they have created something that goes beyond a professional care relationship. There is a warmth and familiarity between them that is genuinely lovely to see.
They share stories, experiences, smiles and plenty of laughter, all in Polish. And while the rest of the team may not always know exactly what they are saying, they can certainly see what it means.
They are both happier. They are both more confident. And they have both found a greater sense of belonging.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can give someone is not a complicated intervention or a new piece of technology. Sometimes, it is simply finding someone who speaks your language.
And sometimes, that connection can change two lives at once.
Whether your family requires specialised dementia support , companionship, or assistance navigating care choices for a loved one, our local teams are always here for a warm, unhurried chat.
Amanda ensures that all potential Care Professionals are of the highest quality and suited for the role and provides a smooth onboarding process for them.
Read moreGet in touch with your local Radfield Home Care office today and find out more about the support we offer and the difference we can make.