Ever since about 2^nd or 3^rd year of uni I had wanted to do a working holiday around Europe. When I finally finished at the end of 2009 I moved back to Brisbane from Townsville, and transferred my position as a carer for the Spinal Injuries Association. Since I had finished uni I was hoping to find a permanent full time job, with more regular hours. I was looking on seek.com.au when I saw an ad for live-in care work with ENA in the UK. Well, here was my chance to finally do some work and travel in Europe! And it was doing something I knew and was familiar with. I applied, and less than 6 months later I was on my way to England and I’ve now been with ENA for over 15 months!

I like that ENA is flexible around their carers. I choose when I want holidays off, and when I start back at work. However, in saying that, the 3 month minimum placements also allow me to establish a close rapport with my clients, and you don’t feel like such a stranger after a little while. It is also good having a place to call ‘home’ for a while, and you do not need to worry about where you will be from week to week. Of course the down side to live-in care work is the lack of social interaction, and sometimes clients live in small villages, which can make it hard to find things to do during my break time to get out of the house. Facebook and Skype become a bit of a life saver, particularly during times when you are feeling especially isolated. I also make sure I can get to the gym at least three times a week.

If I needed a carer myself, I would like someone who has similar interests as me, enjoys the odd ‘lazy day’ but also likes going out and doing things, and can push me to do as much as I can. A bit of spontaneity and the ability to ‘say it like it is’ would be a must! For someone thinking about doing live-in care work, I say just give it a go! You might surprise yourself. I remember my first day of training, I was so nervous. But after a while it becomes second nature, and you meet some great people, and also learn a lot about yourself, and who you are. The 24 hour handover that ENA provide is great – much better than an hour or two here and there that I got working for the Spinal Injuries Association. It really gives you an idea of the daily routine, and what needs to be done. Just remember with the bad (social isolation) comes the good. I have had many opportunities as a carer to do things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I went on a long boat holiday on the canals with one client, to Tenerife with another, and helped Jo, my current client celebrate her birthday by seeing Blondie live. Seeing her face light up and dancing in her chair made my day!

I recommend this job to other carers and people who haven't been in this line of work. Give it a go; it's great money, awesome experience & the company (ENA) is truly one of a kind.

My best experience and greatest day I've had doing this job would be when I got to take my client to see 'We Will Rock You' the smash hit musical! It was a brilliant day with a fantastic theatre performance and McDonalds late night dinner afterwards. We also got to meet the cast backstage and I got a first hand look at driving on London's congested busy roads!