CAREGiver Jessie Ncube on her time in Ireland and with Home Instead Cork North

By Catherine O’Herlihy, HR Manager, Home Instead Cork North

Jessie Ncube is a CAREGiver who has been working with Home Instead Cork North since 2018. Jessie is originally from Zimbabwe and arrived in Ireland in August of 2017. In Zimbabwe, Jessie worked mainly in offices, in roles such as administration, events coordination and pre-benefit testing for funds and pensions companies.

Jessie completed a QQI Level 5 course in nursing and is now a full-time student in UCC. She is completing an honours degree in social work, while also working part-time for us as a CAREGiver. In her role, Jessie provides many different levels of care, from assisting with light housework in the home to personal care needs, dementia and palliative care. We spoke to Jessie recently about her time in Ireland and with Home Instead.



Jessie Ncube

COH: How have you got on since you arrived in Ireland?

JN: I am trying my best to integrate into Irish society. It was not always easy but at least I can see some light now. Being an asylum seeker, going through the asylum process is stressful and not always easy but I am very grateful to the Irish government for permitting me to work in July 2018. This enabled me to gain access to QQI Level 5 education and that in turn led to getting employment.

Being employed with Home Instead has helped to open my mind. I interact and get to know so many different people, from the office staff, my CAREGiver colleagues, and my wonderful clients. I have a clear vision for my future. I am happy that my clients are proud of having me as a CAREGiver, and also for the family members, to know that I take care of their beloved ones. I can now express my abilities with nothing holding me back.

COH: How has caring for older people helped you integrate into the Irish culture?

JN: Oh my God, I have learnt a lot about the Irish culture through caring for their seniors. The Irish songs, the wars that Ireland fought - especially with the English! The daily words that the Irish use that I have never heard  used in such a manner. Irish people have their own way of speaking English and you have to be Irish to understand some words and sentences!

COH: What attracted you to work as a CAREGiver in the first place?

JN: The love of people and the urge to ensure that older people are well looked-after. I thought that my little contribution would encourage people to smile and give them a reason to look forward to the next day. I am both empathetic and compassionate, which makes my job a lot easier and enjoyable, giving me a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day.

COH: Give our readers a brief understanding of the day-to-day work involved?

JN: My role involves assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) so that the clients can live independently in their own homes. I care for both older people and people with disabilities. My role ranges from companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation to personal hygiene and care (depending on the needs of an individual).

It may mean assisting my client in getting up and out of bed, assistance washing, dressing to prepare for the day. We then have breakfast. For some clients, I come back at lunch if they need me and also again in the evening to assist with dinner or to help prepare my client for bed. I ensure that they are tucked up safe and warm and the door is locked when I’m leaving.

COH: What are the best rewards you get from your job?

JN: This job prepares me better for my golden years. I gain wisdom from these legends that I care for, language, Irish history and songs. I have an opportunity to meet different people with different personalities. Keeping someone happy gives me joy and fulfilment.

COH: What is the number one quality that makes you a great CAREGiver?

JN: My positive attitude towards my clients.

COH: Would you recommend Home Instead and why?

JN: Yes, I would for the following reasons: 

·      Flexibility (you can do the hours that best suit you)

·      Great co-workers who fast become friends

·      Friendly and approachable team in the office

·      Continuous training offered

Jessie is a fantastic addition to our team and is well and truly loved by her clients and their families. She always has a smile and a kind word for everyone.

If you are a kind and caring person and would be interested in joining the team in Cork North, please click here or call 021 4309 907 and ask for myself, Catherine or Aoife, we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Looking for a job in a different location? All of our offices are interested in speaking with people who’d make great CAREGivers – click here to apply in your specific location!