As of today (Thursday 11 November), all care workers in the UK are required by law to have received at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. While this has sadly led to a minority of care workers leaving the sector, the policy has equally acted to protect and reassure the 500,000 care home residents the nation houses against the threat of the pandemic.

And this in turn is just one of the many factors that is making the industry attractive to new employees – many of whom have had no previous experience of working in care at all.

One recent joiner to the care sector is Nanako Nakamura, who has worked as a care assistant at Cecil Court care home in Kew, Richmond since May 2021. She took the decision to start working in care during the pandemic having previously worked in retail.

“I spent 16 years as Head of the Silver department at a luxury lifestyle shop in Mayfair,” Nanako explained. “I loved working in a team environment and we felt like we were creating something very special for our clients.”

But then the Covid-19 pandemic started. The business Nanako worked for went into administration, and consequently, all staff were made redundant. She realised it was time for something new.

“I’d been interested in doing something in the care sector as a volunteer,” Nanako explained, “but had never had the time to do so. I’d also felt as though I had had my time in the retail sector. It was a natural choice, therefore, for me to go for a job in care.”

Despite her lack of experience, Nanako was welcomed into Cecil Court with open arms. She was immediately put onto a professional training course and received help and support from colleagues, along with a full and thorough induction process.

And it hasn’t taken long for Nanako to get into the swing of things as a result.

“A typical day for me for me sees me given a handover meeting first thing to see if there’s any issues I need to be aware of and which floor I am to be assigned. It’s then periods of offering personal care interspersed with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and supper for the residents. In between times I’ll assist residents with any activities they are taking part in, as well as take the time to chat and spend time getting to know the residents better.

“I love the fact that we help the residents the whole time. What we do really matters, and I get real satisfaction when they say ‘Thank you’ for the support we offer.

“I especially enjoy singing with residents. Some remember all the lyrics to certain songs, which I fail to do!”

And Nanako is encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and seek a job in care.

“You’ll learn a lot about being human,” she adds, “and realise life is so precious. I am glad I chose to do it.”