Meet the team: Carrie’s Story at Unique Home Care NI

Learn more about one of the wonderful members of staff at Unique

For anyone thinking about care work while studying or planning their next career step, Carrie’s story shows how valuable home care experience can be.

Carrie joined Unique Home Care NI as bank staff in November 2024. Alongside her role, she is currently studying Social Work and saw Unique as a chance to gain experience that would support her future career.

“Working in home care helps with creating a person-centred approach, which is vital within Social Work as you support individuals to improve their wellbeing, promote their rights and independence.”

For Carrie, working in home care has helped her build communication, empathy and active listening skills. It has also given her a deeper understanding of person-centred support, something she knows will be essential in social work.

Gaining experience through home care

Carrie was drawn to Unique because she wanted to work closely with people and develop skills that would stay with her throughout her career.

In home care, no two clients are the same. Every person has their own routines, preferences, family life, health needs and way of communicating. For Carrie, that has been one of the most valuable parts of the role.

It has taught her not to make assumptions. Instead, she has learned the importance of listening properly, understanding each person’s needs and supporting them in a way that respects their dignity and independence.

She says she always tries to treat clients in the same way she would want herself or a member of her own family to be treated, with kindness, patience and compassion.

The relationships that make care meaningful

One of Carrie’s favourite parts of working in home care is the relationships she has built with clients.

She understands that being welcomed into someone’s home is a privilege. A person’s home is their private space, where they should feel comfortable, respected and secure.

Carrie enjoys hearing clients’ life stories, getting to know their families and becoming a familiar person in their week. Over time, those relationships are built through trust and understanding.

She also loves the humour that comes with the role.

“I know I have had a good day at work when my ribs are sore from laughing and I know I have given my clients 110%.”

Carrie’s experience perfectly reflects the kind of care we work hard to provide every day. You can read more about the vision Unique was built on in Debbie story, where she shares why time and person-centred care have always been at the heart of our services.

Why bank work suits Carrie’s studies

Working as bank staff has been ideal for Carrie because it gives her the flexibility to balance university and work. When she has deadlines, assignments or stressful periods in her degree, bank work allows her to reduce her hours and focus on her studies. When her university workload is lighter, she can pick up more shifts and continue gaining experience.

That flexibility has made a real difference.

“I do not think I would have been able to balance my degree and employment as successfully without the flexibility of bank work.”

For Carrie, bank work has meant she can prioritise her education while still supporting clients, building confidence and developing skills that will help her in the future.

Challenging misconceptions about care work

Carrie believes one of the biggest misconceptions about care work is that people see it as simply helping with day-to-day tasks.

In reality, she says the role takes patience, empathy, communication and the ability to build trusting relationships. Care workers also carry an important responsibility to protect wellbeing and safety.

Every client is different, so care workers need to adapt their approach. They need to notice what matters, respond calmly and support people in a way that feels personal to them.

Carrie has also learned that small interactions can have a big impact. It might be helping someone get their TV working, listening when they need to talk, or taking a small worry off their shoulders. Those moments may seem simple from the outside, but they can completely change someone’s day.

Preparing for a future in social work

Carrie feels her experience in care is giving her a strong foundation for social work.

Through her role, she has developed confidence in communication, active listening, patience and problem-solving. She has also gained insight into safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Most importantly, care has confirmed that she enjoys supporting people and advocating for their wellbeing.

Building trusting relationships with clients has helped Carrie understand the importance of seeing each person as an individual. That is something she will carry with her as she continues her studies and works towards a career in social work.

Carrie’s advice to anyone considering care

Carrie would encourage anyone thinking about care to take the opportunity.

She believes the role can be especially valuable for someone studying, exploring a future in health and social care, or simply wanting work that feels meaningful.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing a client’s face light up when they see you walk into the room, knowing that your presence brings them comfort and reassurance.”

For Carrie, care work brings a real sense of achievement. Even the smallest moments can remind her that she has made a positive difference to someone’s life.

Her story shows that care work can be a meaningful career in its own right, but it can also be a strong foundation for future roles in social work, healthcare, community support and beyond.

At Unique Home Care NI, we are proud to have people like Carrie on our team. People who bring kindness and genuine care into every home they visit.

Interested in a role that can work around your life while helping you build valuable skills? Explore our current care assistant roles or meet more of the Unique Home Care NI team.