I’ve found my passion at fifty – Annelli

My dream job

'I’ve worked at Dorothy House for just under two years. I’d worked in domiciliary care for a year before that, but previously I’d been in the motor industry for thirty eight years. I was furloughed during Covid and found work as a carer. When the company asked me to come back I said ‘no, I want to stay in care’. I haven’t looked back.; it's my passion.

I’m a local girl and everyone around here knows Dorothy House. You never hear anything sad about it and can’t help but think of it fondly. As soon as I was offered the position I snapped it up. I feel very lucky to be able to work for them. I actually applied for three jobs and was offered all of them, but Dorothy House was the one I wanted. I didn’t have a lot of experience in palliative care before this role. It’s quite different to domiciliary care, with much more variety in the day and more involvement supporting the patients’ families.'

Dorothy House: My second family

'I was one of the first to complete the Tulip course and it was absolutely brilliant. It was so in-depth and I learnt so much from it. It wasn’t at all rushed and it gave me the skills I needed to go out into the community and get to work. It feels so good to be told you’re doing your job well. The great benefit of this role is the people.

With such a supportive team it’s like having another family. Whatever the issue, there’s always someone you can turn to; we’re all there for each other. I feel so honoured and privileged to be able to support families at what is the most difficult of times. To be able to be a part of that and to make a difference, no matter how small, is a privilege.

If you’re thinking about a Hospice at Home carer role, just do it! You won’t look back. At fifty, I've found my passion. It’s taken most of my life to find it but it’s just so rewarding. I'm finally doing something I love.'