Staff Spotlight – Jo

Hi, I'm Jo, and I joined Nannies 4 Grannies in March 2022. I had worked in the retail industry, for most of my working life, I'm a real people person and enjoyed the customer facing side of the job the most. I had just been made redundant from Phase Eight, a store that I'd managed in Harpenden from the day it opened and stepped down to a part - time role after having my son. I'd been lucky to have been part of that chapter for 15 years.

Feeling lost and unsure of what to do next - yet knowing I wanted to do something more rewarding, to feel like I'd made a difference at the end of the day and hopefully allow me to stay based in Harpenden. I spoke to a friend at work about maybe changing careers and going into care support work. Then in my words, “FATE” brought this job to me. My friend's dad (such a small world) had nannies to support him in his home and recommended me.

I had some hands-on experience with Dementia as I helped support family with my Great Uncle and Auntie after they were both sadly diagnosed - little parts of this have helped support me through my job.

Best move I made - I absolutely love my job being a nannie, I have the pleasure of meeting amazing people, and their families, and building lovely relationships. The role covers so many different aspects from reassurance to a simple hug, talking - which I love to do, and having a giggle, helping support with interests and hobbies and supporting them to live independently in their own home. Every day is different from pure companionship to going out for a walk or coffee, supporting and taking to appointments, cooking and cleaning.

It's so lovely to see faces light up when you arrive - I'm just as pleased to see them and rewarding knowing you've already made a difference to their day. It's like having an extended family, and I treat every visit/client how I'd like a member of my family to be treated.

I first met Mrs L on joining the company, after some time getting to know one another, it was so lovely to see how a bond developed in a short time. We have really gotten to know one another, and whenever I turn up, she says oh I'm glad it's you, which warms my heart. We have built such a lovely friendship, and she now laughs about the things that would have caused her undue stress.

It's such an honour being a nannie, and I feel so lucky to be part of such a caring team.