Dana Frost had a brief break from working at family-run Extra Hands before returning three years ago. Earlier this year she moved to the Rapid Response Team at the company’s Heacham Branch, working alongside colleagues Nina Stephen and Tamara Proctor to provide support for service-users and carers alike.
“I’ve been with Extra Hands for many years now, and this is my second time around,” said the 38-year-old. “They’re the best employer I’ve ever had, and I can’t believe how helpful they are. They really look after you.
“At the beginning of this year, they asked me if I’d be interested in Rapid Response, and I wasn’t sure to begin with. But the more they told me about it, the more interested I was, and, now that I’m doing it, I love it. It’s nice to go out and see people for the first time and to get to see the whole process as care plans are put in place. It’s lovely. I just like meeting new people.”
“I also like the variety,” continued Miss Frost, who lives near Downham Market. “You never know where you’re going to be, and it’s nice to have that excitement and sense of anticipation.
“I could get called out if a carer has gone sick or been held up somewhere, or there might be an issue with medication. It’s nice knowing that if there’s an emergency somewhere, we’ll be able to support them. As carers you only have limited time with someone, whereas, if someone has had a fall, for example, it’s nice to know that we’re there to support them.”
Her role as a member of the Rapid Response Team also involves annual reviews of service-users and their care packages, along with the regular assessment and monitoring of carers.
“It’s definitely an interesting role,” she adds. “I like working in the office for a little while, and I like being out on the ground too, so this provides the perfect balance.
“Care work is very, very rewarding, and I’m so glad that when I started out, it was with Extra Hands. They’re always supportive and the training is brilliant. I’ve learnt more with Extra Hands than I have anywhere, and it’s nice to know you can always speak to someone in the office – they’re just on the end of the phone and always happy to help and to give advice. They sort everything out for you.
“Some companies don’t really care about their staff, but Extra Hands are more caring and supportive, and it feels like a family. I’m very happy with everything I do there and am going to stay as long as I can. I can’t see me leaving anytime soon.”
