Jill Whitfield - Care Assistant, Residential Care

"I used to work in a factory but found it mind-numbing: every day the same. A friend was working in a residential home and suggested I apply. I moved from that first job to here 6 years ago and have never regretted coming into this type of work.

The residents are old people with dementia and other mental illness, so you have to be alert, but there's a good atmosphere in the home. I'm the key worker with two residents, helping them through each day. There's plenty of banter, especially in the mornings. The important thing is to ensure the residents have as much dignity as possible."

Jill and Sharon work together in the same residential home. They came into social care work without any special qualifications, learning about the job vacancies through friends or family.

Jill is a care assistant with 9 years experience and has had a range of training. She recently started computer classes with a view to widening her work horizons.

Sharon has been trained in lifting and handling, as well as health and safety and will have further training if she moves into a care assistant role, though her priority is balancing work and looking after her young son.