August: Day in the Life

Ever wondered what a typical working day looks like for the people behind Age Cymru Gwent’s services? In our ‘A Day in the Life’ series, we’re getting to know the staff who make a difference to older people across Gwent. Join us as we follow Rhian, our Prevention and Resilience Manager for the Healthcare services, to discover what their working day looks like, the variety of work involved in their role and what they enjoy most about supporting older people. We’ll also be finding out a little more about Rhian through a short interview, including what attracted them to their role, what makes their work rewarding and some quick-fire questions to get to know them better!

What is your role at Age Cymru Gwent?

Prevention and Resilience Manager

How long have you worked here?

5 years

What attracted you to working with older/vulnerable people?

Most of my working life has involved supporting older adults, and I also do a lot of this in my personal life. I have tried different roles and areas of work over the years, but I always seem to find myself being drawn back to supporting older and vulnerable people. I think it is simply part of who I am and something that comes naturally to me. For me, it doesn't really feel like just a job. I genuinely enjoy working with older people, and I think that passion and empathy are what keep bringing me back to this area of work.

Is there such a thing as a "typical" day?

No, there really is no such thing as a “typical” day, and that is one of the things I love most about the work. You can start the day with a clear plan, but things can change very quickly when you are supporting older people, so you have to be able to adapt and respond to whatever comes your way. Every person is different, and their needs can change from one day to the next. One day might involve supporting someone with a practical issue, another might be helping someone through a difficult situation, attending a meeting, responding to a concern or simply spending time listening to someone who needs a bit of reassurance. I think that variety is what keeps the work interesting. You never quite know what the day is going to bring, but you do know that whatever happens, your focus is on the person and making sure they receive the right support at the right time. For me, being able to think on my feet, problem-solve and make a positive difference is a big part of what makes the role so rewarding.

What makes the biggest difference to the people you support?

For many older people, being listened to, having someone take them seriously and knowing that someone cares can make a huge difference. Sometimes it is the practical support that makes the difference, but sometimes it is something as simple as having a conversation, building their confidence or helping them feel less alone. I also think supporting independence and giving people choice and control is really important. We should never assume that because someone is older or vulnerable, they cannot do things for themselves. It is about asking, “What matters to you?” and then working alongside them to help them achieve that. Ultimately, I think it is about leaving someone feeling a little more confident, valued and supported than they did before you met them.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part for me is seeing my team grow. I really enjoy getting to know people, seeing what they’re good at and then watching their confidence grow. When someone comes to you not quite believing in themselves and, over time, you see them develop, take on new challenges and really flourish, that makes me incredibly proud. I love knowing that I’ve helped someone along the way, even if it’s just given them that little bit of encouragement they needed. Seeing my team doing well and enjoying what they do is probably one of the best parts of my job. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give someone considering working in care or community support?

My biggest piece of advice would be to be yourself and genuinely care about the people you are supporting. You don’t always need to have all the answers, sometimes just listening, showing kindness and taking the time to understand someone can make a huge difference. It can be challenging at times, but it is also incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy people, want to make a difference and are willing to learn, then I think care and community support is a really special area to work in.