Team Spotlight:

Kim, Community Facilitator

Meet Kim, one of our Community Facilitators.

Kim is a dedicated and valued member of the Abbots Care team who recently received a long service award at our annual awards ceremony to celebrate 12 years service with Abbots Care. Kim’s key responsibilities include being out in the community meeting new Clients and completing their assessments. Kim lives and breathes the Abbots Care values and is always a friendly face to our Clients and Care Workers

Hi Kim, can you tell us about your role as a Community Facilitator?

My role as a Community Facilitator is exciting and challenging. I work out in the community meeting new clients and completing assessments, I put together a person-centred care plan offering the best possible service. I stay in contact with my Clients to make sure they are happy with the care they receive. I carry out regular reviews on clients as well as observations on our Care Workers. I also meet with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers.

Can you tell us about your key responsibilities as a Community Facilitator?

My key responsibilities include, writing care plans for Clients, making sure all the finer details are fully covered and ensuring all risk assessments are in place. Communication is vital in my role as a Community Facilitator.

“Caring for others and making a positive difference to our Clients lives is the reason I choose to do this job and love every second of it”

How did you get into this role?

I have been with Abbots Care for over a decade and have progressed with my career during this time. I began as a Care Coordinator which I really enjoyed and stayed in that role for 8 years. The role of Community Facilitator was then presented to me by the Directors at Abbots Care, Helen and Sarah. I knew I wanted to continue my career at Abbots Care and progress so I was keen to accept and I have never looked back.

What three skills would you say are key to being successful in your role?

Being adaptable, caring and able to understand our clients needs

How long have you been with Abbots Care?

I have been with Abbots Care for 12 amazing years.

Can you tell us what you love most about your role?

All of it! Even when I’ve driven 100 miles and I’m tired I love it (I wish I was 40 again!). I genuinely care for all the new Clients I meet and enjoy making sure they’re well and reassuring their families.

What does a day in your work life look like?

My day’s vary… One day I can be office based trying to catch up on care plans and have meetings with social workers regarding our Clients. I could then have to meet Care Workers for supervisions and observations. Another day I may be out on the road all day. I may be completing a new assessment and meeting a family who are looking for care for their family member, this can take up to 2.5 hours especially if we get chatting. Occasionally, I cover assessments for Clients with learning disabilities. This can be challenging at times especially for children in their home. I love meeting the children and reassuring the families.

I can also have day’s where I am out writing up medication books, especially at the end of the month. That’s great too as I see the clients and Care Workers. Some Care Workers don’t get to see many people especially our live-in Care Workers, so I enjoy being a friendly face and having a catch up. I know it sounds busy but I wouldn’t change it for the world, it’s the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had and have a sense of purpose everyday knowing I’m helping people.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

Family is so important to me so on my weekends off I always see my daughter and granddaughter. My other children live in Australia, I occasionally visit them which is lovely. I also enjoy walking my dog and catching up on things at home including gardening.

What inspires you in your role every day?

Caring for people and making a positive difference in someone’s life. I’m really proud to tell people I meet that Abbots Care is the best home care provider and we can give them the best possible service, that’s what we strive to do here.