Ru’s Journey into Care at Sylvian Care Woking

It was Ruwadzano’s aunt who said she would make a good carer. Ru cared for her grandparents and then for her aunt before her aunt passed away. ‘My aunt used to be a nurse, and she motivated me to become a carer,’ says Ru. ‘I’ve always liked helping people and making a difference in their lives.’

Ru worked as a part time carer in Zimbabwe before she came to the UK in 2023. Now she works full time for Sylvian Care Woking.

‘It’s a family run business, and I know I can always call on the managing directors if I need anything,’ she says. ‘They’re always there if I need any support. My manager is also very supportive.’

Ru provides personal care, help with medication and food preparation, light cleaning duties and companionship. ‘Thank you, you’ve really helped us,’ some tell her.

‘I take a couple out, we go for a walk or a coffee or to a garden centre, it makes a big difference to them,’ she says. ‘When I arrive, they’re so pleased to see me that they open the door before I ring the bell. They’re excited to go out. And I have a good time too.

‘I try to cheer the clients up, and they cheer me up. Some like to crack jokes and have a good laugh, and you laugh with them. If you have been with them for a long time, and you see them every day, they become kind of life family, they become part of your life.’

Ru says that everyone is different, and she treats them all as individuals. She believes it is important for people to be cared for at home because they are familiar with their surroundings.

‘Some clients are alone in their homes and when you go there, they have someone to talk to,’ she says. They really look forward to our visits. It makes my day to see their faces light up when they see me.’

She says her job is very rewarding because of the difference she feels that she makes in people’s lives. If anyone is thinking about being a carer her advice would be ‘go for it.’ ‘Please come and join us,’ she says.

She has had online training and practical training, and her training is ongoing. She likes being out on the road, going to see people. If she has a break during the day she can go home and cook or do the laundry or go shopping. A few months after she joined Sylvian Care, Ru was made senior carer. Her role now involves shadowing new carers and providing support in the field if any carers need it.

‘I would love to progress and there are opportunities in care to do that,’ she says.

‘It was a good decision to join Sylvian Care, and I think my aunt would be proud of me. I’m doing what she would have wanted me to do.’

We’re incredibly proud of Ru for her enthusiasm, kindness and dedication - and we’re sure her aunt is too.