Meet the Team: Q&A with Tracy Morris

In our next Meet the Team Q&A, we are proud to introduce you to Tracy Morris, who coordinates our complex care services in Abertillery. She coordinates care packages for those who may have suffered a brain injury or those who have Huntington’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis…

Do you have a background in care work? Can you tell us more about your career journey so far?

I have worked for ND Care & Support for 3 years, but have worked in the industry for 17 years altogether. Having worked in the sector for 17 years, I am now a Care Coordinator, but began my journey as a Carer delivering packages of care to service users. Thanks to this experience, I have had a really strong insight into what the care packages entail for the service user as well as the Carer. Prior to my caring roles, I also worked in a school and a nursery as a cleaner and I had experience taking care of my own grandparents and auntie as well.

What does a day in your role look like?

For me, every day is different. I coordinate the complex care of service users who have had brain injuries, or those who have been diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease or MS. These care packages can often be complex and highly bespoke. Each day can be a challenge (you never know what might come your way), but I find great satisfaction in achieving results, despite the obstacles the day might present.

What key skills are required to do your job?

1. Passion for looking after others
2. Respect
3. Patience
4. Motivation
5. Caring nature

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I really love the fact that, through my role, I am giving people light at the end of the tunnel by helping to give them their independence back, despite their illnesses. My role and the work of our Carers enable our service users to remain at home where they can regain and maintain a sense of normality and independence. We assist our service users in achieving quality of life and independence, which makes it all worthwhile.

What day-to-day challenges do you face in your role?

I find that the biggest pressure I face is being unable to prepare for what the day might bring. The nature of complex care means that each day is different, so no matter how much or how well I plan and prepare my activities for the day, I have to deal with whatever comes my way.

What challenges does the wider care sector face? How do you feel you are making a difference to this?

These days, more and more people want to stay at home when they need extra care and support, which means that there is an increasing demand for our services. We try our best to accommodate these needs and make a difference for our service users. After all, that’s what it’s all about – them and the care they need, not us.

What is your proudest moment in work or your greatest achievement in your career and why?

I would say that my proudest moments at work include what I am doing now. Coordinating care for those who need it most and supporting people with varying complex needs from brain injuries to Huntington’s disease. As well as ensuring our service users are cared for, I have also achieved my QCF level 5 in Health and Social Care. Being able to progress and have qualifications to show for my hard work makes me feel very proud.

What advice would you give to candidates who want to go into care work?

I would strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the role and what it entails, and be passionate about caring for others and making a difference. This will help you do a good job when working in the care sector.

What is your favourite quote and why?

My favourite quote is actually a poem, which I find very poignant and meaningful. It is called The Care Worker:

I wake them up, I get them dressed,

I brush their hair so they look their best,

I make their bed and wash their clothes,

The little things that no-one knows.

I hole their hand when they are scared,

I talk to them when no-ones there.

I give them a friend when they are alone,

I treat them like family, like one of my own.

And when its time to save a life,

I keep my heart strong, and hold my head high.

I wail ’til its over, when everything’s done,

When the house has gone quiet, the emptiness comes.

So please don’t judge me, when you think I don’t care,

I look after your family, when you are not there.”

We hope Tracy’s Q&A inspires you as much as it inspires us! Tune in soon to meet the next member of the ND Care & Support team…