Meet the Team: Q&A with Debra Plant

At ND Care & Support, we are an employer of choice for many people in our local communities, including Debra Plant, who has worked as a Care Coordinator in our Abertillery branch since it opened in 2011. Find out more about Debra and why she feels so passionate about her role…

Do you have a background in care work? Can you tell us more about your career journey so far?

Yes, I actually worked for another care company prior to working at ND Care & Support. However, before that, I have experience working in catering as well as in hospital theatres where I cleaned and sterilised equipment for operations. I have also previously worked in pubs, which all just goes to show that the journey into the care industry could apply to anyone, from all walks of life.

What does a day in your role look like?

There isn’t a typical day for me really. They’re all different and with my job, it’s never the same thing on repeat. Each day brings new challenges which keeps it interesting. I never know what my day might turn out like and I love that!

What key skills are required to do your job?

1. Positive attitude
2. Patience
3. Organised
4. Caring
5. Passionate

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

Personally, I really love getting to see clients go home from the hospital or stay at home where they are most comfortable, fulfilling their wishes which may sometimes even be their last wish. I don’t think anyone should be stuck somewhere they don’t want to be, especially when they are unwell and in need of care. This is a time when they should be surrounded by their loved ones and I am grateful to able to make that a reality for our service users.

What day-to-day challenges do you face in your role?

Daily challenges in a role like mine would probably be simply surviving one day to the next because there are so many different things that could happen on any given day. Therefore, a key challenge is ensuring that people receive the care that they need.

What challenges does the wider care sector face? How do you feel you are making a difference to this?

Unfortunately, the care sector gets a bad name at times. However, I feel that at ND Care & Support, the care we provide breaks the stigma as we employ good carers to look after the people in our communities.

What is your proudest moment in work or your greatest achievement in your career and why?

I’m proud of helping a service user who I had looked after for 5 years. As a Carer, I got on with them, as well as their wider family. My role enabled them to live their life with support at home and not be overcome by their situation. It was a genuine privilege to help them achieve this. In his final moments, his wife was out at the time, but I am so glad that I was there, to ensure that he wasn’t alone during those final moments. This is something that will stay with me forever.

What advice would you give to candidates who want to go into care work?

If you choose to go into care work, you have to want to do the job. It’s not something that you can just do, because caring is part of who you are as a person. However, if you care about others, then it could be just what you are looking for.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself

I live in the moment and I’m very much into rock music, with Whitesnake being a favourite. I also like attending musicals and the last one that I saw was about Take That. It’s important to enjoy hobbies outside of work, as caring is a demanding job and music is my way to relax.

We hope Debra’s Q&A inspires you as much as it inspires us! Tune in soon to meet the next member of the ND Care & Support team…