Our Care Coordinator of the Year – Claire Bulmer
Read our interview Claire Bulmer – winner of the ‘Care Coordinator of the Year Award ’ at our Care Heroes Awards 2022. Claire was presented the award earlier this year at a special awards ceremony. Claire currently works as care coordinator for Careline, Newcastle branch.
(Claire (left) receiving her award from Wendy McCall, Regional Director)
What does your role as care coordinator involve?
“I compete care rotas trying to ensure the clients have continuity; I also help social care get their care packages into place through our company. I ensure our compliance is up-to-date with CQC guidelines. I check in on our service users via phone calls.”
You’ve worked in care for many years – how do you stay motivated in your role?
“Knowing our services users’ care is being met and the care workers are happy keeps me motivated. It’s nice to know I help even if it’s a small part.”
How did you feel about winning Care Coordinator of the Year?
“I was very surprised to learn that I had initially been shortlisted. So when I won the award on the night, I couldn’t quite believe it! My first thought was – ‘are you sure?’. I was very shocked.”
What’s your relationship like with the rest of your team and your care workers?
“I’ve got an amazing team of care workers, I used to work alongside them when I was a care worker; we work really well together.”
What made you go for a job in care?
“I used to work as a nursery nurse. I started out working part-time in care because I needed a job that fit around my kids. So, I began doing g care work while my kids were at school during the day.”
You worked as a care worker for a number of years. What was the best thing about being a care worker?
“It’s so rewarding. No two days are ever the same. It’s so rewarding sitting with someone who doesn’t have any family. If you’re the only person they see that day, even for ten minutes, it makes a big difference in somebody’s life. It really does.
“Even as a care coordinator, I’m still out on weekends delivering care because when we are short staffed – I’m happy to do that. I’m happy to wear the t-shirt and pitch in.”
What would you say are the are the qualities you need to work in care?
“You’ve got to have a clear head on you. A clear mind. Never be frightened to ask for help. You need to be sociable, be able to make small talk, people love it. You need a good memory – being able to remember the little details in people’s lives. When it comes to personal care – you’ve got to be able to do it without batting an eye. You’ve got to be able to make them feel comfortable and put them at ease.”
What would you say are the biggest challenges working in care?
“You’ve got to be able to be able to deal with all types of situations; some clients are easy going, some have mental health issues; some people need the care but don’t want it, they don’t want to rely on people. You’ve got to be able to deal with those challenges.”
Working in care can be quite stressful at times, what do you do to look after your wellbeing, mentally and physically?
“I find exercise and a healthy diet helps. I also make sure I have time off to switch off and relax.”
What do you do in your spare time – outside of work?
“I enjoy a swim in the morning before work this sets me up for day. I do this four mornings a week. I love spending time and doing activities with my young daughter.”
Emma Dixon, Branch Manager at Careline Newcastle, nominated Claire for the award and commented, “I put Claire forward for the award as she is amazing. If it wasn’t for her the branch wouldn’t be what it is today. She is kind, caring and very understanding. She is always happy to help her team and wouldn’t see anyone struggle.”
