Navigator Review

The main aspect of my job is care work caring for various people with dementia, I work in both the day care centre and the respite home, we work to ensure that people keep their independence for as long as is possible and help them with their daily needs accordingly

Since working with Age UK I have learned new skills and developed my existing skills, for example I have learned what dementia is all about I have learnt how to transfer people from wheelchairs and various lifting aids and all about safeguarding and risk assessing together with equality and diversity

I enjoyed the programme it helped me immensely with various aspects of my job and made me understand why some practices have to be put in place within my area of work, I enjoyed the challenges that I was faced with during my programme and the outcomes that I achieved

The programme was very well organised/structured in that it gave me plenty of time to do each module and I always got the support that was needed along the way. The staff I dealt with went above and beyond to assist and were always there to lend a hand

Age UK are very supportive in everything I do whether it be help I need regarding my day to day duties or support if I am unwell or need time off they are very amiable they supported me every step of the way in my apprenticeship and helped whenever needed

I received a lot of support from Paragon my training provider, they were always at the end of a phone or email to assist me with my needs and encourage me, they also offered a support programme along side the actual apprenticeship which helped me if I was stressed anytime

Having this qualification helps me perform my role with more confidence, knowing that I learned a lot from it and took everything on board, it is a respected qualification to have and I can take on board more responsibility in the knowledge that I know what I am capable of

We do not have any extra-curricular activities but we do have some social activities that we can use, there are no sports teams but sometimes they do offer professional networking events which are good as you get to meet different people across the board that you would not normally meet

Yes

I would recommend AGE UK as they are an amazing network who offer all kinds of support to the general public especially the over 60’s which are the main, to work alongside a place like this is an absolute privilege and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoy my work

The key is to be yourself, have no hidden agendas and do the best that you can, regardless of your experience it is not a big issue as Age UK will provide all the training and support you need moving forward, being a kind and respectful human is the key