Michael Brooker-Carey - Healthcare assistant Hospice at Home

Name: Michael Brooker-Carey

Job Title: Healthcare Assistant, Hospice at Home

What does your role involve?

I go into the community and visit patients at home to help them stay at home. I also help their families by giving them a break from caring. I’m there for the patients’ care needs but like to entertain them too. It’s important to have a different person there to ask questions and talk to.

How did you get the experience to do the role you do now?

I worked for a care organisation for 6 years and wanted to go into hospice care after seeing how well my aunty was cared for in a hospice. I won carer of the year in 2008 for the Lancashire area which I’m very proud of.

What time do you start and finish work each day typically?

I start at 8am and finish can be 5pm or 8pm for 5 days. It can change depending on patients’ needs.

How do you wind down after a hard day at work? I enjoy fell walking and occasionally cycling. I also like the railways and watching stock car racing – I used to race! Silverdale and Derbyshire are among my favourite places to walk.

What’s the best thing about working for the hospice?

I get to meet different people, both patients and families. I’ve always been brought up to be a caring person and I enjoy being able to care for someone – I find it very rewarding. If I can make someone smile before I leave and know they look forward to me visiting again – that’s all the job satisfaction I need!