The Career of Carer Ashleigh

At just 13 years old, Ashleigh began her journey in caregiving as a Saturday cleaner in a local care home. When the home closed, she continued to visit the relocated residents at Randolph Hill, Dunblane to ensure their comfort—a selfless act that earned her a full-time carer role at the end of 2007. Now a dedicated and deeply valued member of the Randolph Hill community, Ashleigh views her workplace as a second home, blending her work with community spirit and family involvement. Living locally, Ashleigh is always ready to step in, and her young family often visit too, engaging residents through reading and crafts, fostering warmth and intergenerational connections.

Ashleigh’s commitment to professional growth has seen her advance from Carer to Team Leader, supported by her SVQ4 certification. She continuously seeks feedback and knowledge, a quality she channels into her carer role that includes being a Moving and Handling trainer, guiding new staff and promoting high-quality standards. With a keen eye for resident well-being, she collaborates effectively with nurses and carers, ensuring meticulous communication and record-keeping.

Ashleigh’s care goes beyond routine duties; it’s a calling she answers with empathy, consistency, and exceptional problem-solving. Residents appreciate her attentive support, with one recently calling her “a friend, not just a carer.” She champions residents’ independence, creating tailored care plans that honour their dignity. Ashleigh’s efforts are felt widely—from organising a Winter Evening fayre that brought festive joy to the home, to her commitment to her team, who value her as an inspiring, supportive colleague.

Ashleigh’s journey reflects profound dedication, setting a standard for compassionate, community-oriented caregiving.  She is a finalist in the upcoming Sottish Care Home awards for Carer of the Year 2024! As her manager Pauline aptly says, “Everybody needs an Ashleigh.”