Anna Svirska: A Passionate Carer Making a Difference in Lincolnshire
- Mark@LincsLivesNatters
- Sep 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Anna Svirska is a self-employed private carer based in Saxilby, Lincolnshire. Anna’s dedication to her clients and her passion for making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be a carer or are considering a career in care, Anna’s story offers valuable insight.
The Path to Caring
Interestingly, caring wasn’t always in Anna’s plans. She shared how her grandfather, a doctor in Ukraine, influenced her decision to become a carer. He had encouraged Anna’s father to pursue a medical career, and while it didn’t quite stick with him, Anna found herself drawn to the profession. While at university, her father suggested she try caregiving, and after landing a job and going through training, she “fell in love” with it.
“It’s really about the people,” Anna said with a smile. “Getting to know them, their routines, and finding ways to help them in a way that’s meaningful for them—it’s not about me, it’s about them.”
Building Relationships Through Care
One thing that stands out about Anna is her approach to building relationships with her clients and their families. She believes in treating each client with genuine care and going above and beyond to ensure they feel supported. Communication plays a key role in this, and she spends time getting to know her clients’ routines and preferences.
Her warmth and dedication help her break through even the toughest situations, whether it’s caring for someone who’s reluctant to accept help or working with clients with dementia. “It’s all about kindness, persistence, and building rapport,” she explained.
Facing Challenges as a Carer
Caring comes with its own set of challenges. For Anna, one of the key issues she’s faced is balancing the needs of her clients while protecting herself as a self-employed carer. “It’s important to have everything written down in a contract,” Anna said. This ensures clarity for both parties and helps her manage expectations, allowing her to focus on providing the best possible care.
Another challenge is when clients are resistant to receiving help. This is especially common with younger clients who still feel independent or those with dementia who may not understand their need for assistance. However, Anna’s approach of staying patient and kind, and her persistence in building trust, often breaks down these barriers.
The Rewards of Being a Carer
For Anna, the rewards of being a carer are clear: seeing the positive impact on her clients’ lives. She described the joy of watching someone go from struggling to thriving because they’re getting the support they need.
“It’s amazing to see how much happier they are, how much more they enjoy life when they have the right help,” Anna said. “Knowing I’ve made a difference in their day is the best feeling.”
Anna’s Advice for Aspiring Carers
Anna offered some practical advice for anyone considering a career in care, especially those interested in becoming self-employed. She emphasized the importance of gaining experience by working for an agency first, which provides essential training and qualifications.
She also highlighted the benefits of being self-employed in the care industry. “You’re in control of your schedule, your clients, and you can earn more,” Anna noted. However, she cautioned that certain qualifications, like NVQ Level 4, can only be obtained through working for a company, so it’s worth thinking about long-term goals before making the leap.
More Than Just Care
Beyond her work as a carer, Anna is now branching out into business coaching. She’s helping carers who want to go self-employed or those already working independently but seeking to improve their business skills. Anna’s coaching focuses on personal branding, marketing, and customer service, offering a holistic approach to success in the care industry.
“I want to help others achieve the same independence and satisfaction I’ve found through self-employment,” she explained. She offers free 30-minute consultations, making it easy for anyone interested in starting their journey to get professional advice.
A Personal Story of Care
One of the most touching moments of the interview came when Anna shared a personal experience from her early days of self-employment. One of her first clients had dementia and was initially resistant to her help. For six months, Anna worked tirelessly to build trust and make a breakthrough.
The turning point came one Christmas Eve when Anna convinced her client to let her wash her hair. As Anna left that day, the client told her, “I’m glad we’re friends.” From then on, their relationship blossomed, and the client even introduced Anna to others as her “best friend.”
“It’s moments like that,” Anna said with a smile, “that remind me why I do this work.”
Anna’s passion for caring and her desire to help others—whether through caregiving or business coaching—is clear. Her journey is a testament to the rewards of following your heart and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re interested in learning more about Anna’s work or business coaching, you can find her contact details on our social media and website.
Listen to the full episode here
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