A Day in the Life #10 – Jackie’s story
The first thing that strikes me about Jackie is how unassuming she is. She has a soft and gentle way about her that gives a big clue to her character. We find a quiet spot to sit down and talk in the dining room at Alexandra and I open my notebook. Jackie’s official job title is ‘Domestic Assistant’, but that is a description that significantly underplays her role within the Alexandra Care Home with Nursing.
I ask her what she does, expecting a list of cleaning tasks. Jackie’s answer surprises me. ‘I look after the residents and after my colleagues,’ she says.
Yes, Jackie does the list of cleaning chores one would associate with the term ‘domestic’, but when I dig deeper it becomes clear that her role is somewhat of a hybrid. I discover that Jackie has a long background in the care sector and is a qualified carer. Old habits die hard, and Jackie tells me some of the other things she does while dispensing her domestic duties at the Alexandra. Without any hint of self-important or praise seeking, Jackie explains that she likes to keep an eye on residents, make them cups of tea, go to the shops for items they want, post cards and a host of other helpful tasks.
‘I’m flexible and fill in where I need to,’ Jackie says. ‘I love being part of the team here.’
Jackie has worked in care for 22 years but dig a little deeper and one finds a rather interesting cv. After school Jackie worked at Boots for 12 years, working her way up to Warehouse Supervisor. After Boots she worked at a bar in Crete, cooking such tasty breakfasts that she ‘packed the place out’. The next five years were spent as a bus driver in Stockport, before joining a new family business, running an off license and video shop.
Her innovations within the off license had unwanted consequences, however, because the shop began to do so well it was twice targeted by robbers, including a vicious assault on a family member. ‘That was when we knew it was time to sell up,’ Jackie says.
The shop was sold in 2000, and Jackie found herself at a loose end. One of her staff from the off license had made the transition into the care industry and called Jackie up, suggesting a job in care would be a good fit. The suggestion proved a good one. Jackie enjoyed working in care and the rest, as they say, is history …
Jackie moved to the Alexandra over two years ago on the domestic side, and says, ‘Managers know I am a qualified carer, and they give me the flexibility to get involved, make people cups of tea and help the care staff out from time to time. It’s the little things that mean a lot.’
In that respect, Jackie has carved out a great niche within the Alexandra Care Home, carrying out her cleaning duties diligently, but also getting involved in elements of caring for residents. Jackie also helps look after the home’s resident black and white cat, Sox, by keeping his bowls clean and feeding him. I also discover that Jackie feeds other colleagues.
‘I love cooking up big batches of food at home, such as curries and shepherd’s pie. I bring some in for my friends here. Today I brought in some of my chicken madras. I also cook for an elderly neighbour who can’t cope by himself.’
I fear my prose don’t do justice to Jackie’s gentle humanity and desire to help others, so I’ll leave the last words to Alexandra’s Clinical Lead, Katie, who walks into the dining room as I am concluding the interview. Katies says, ‘Jackie is a diamond. She looks out for everyone and is one of the most caring people I know. One day last week I was so busy, I forgot to have lunch. Jackie went to the kitchen and made me a sandwich. That’s what she’s like – always looking out for other people. We love her.’
Katie’s kind words make Jackie feel emotional and I see a tear in her eye. It’s reassuring to see the genuine affection towards Jackie from her colleagues, and that her efforts beyond the call of duty are truly appreciated.
Interview by Kelly Farrington