Felicity Cooper wins award for ‘going the extra mile’ and is described as 'remarkable'
The 42-year-old says she is surprised but pleased.
“My first reaction was, ‘I never win anything!’ It’s a nice feeling of being appreciated. I don’t feel I was ‘going above and beyond’.
“It’s about finding a balance between helping people and enabling them to remain independent and do things for themselves.
“I think about how I would like to be cared for if I was in their situation, and try to be respectful, knowing everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Awards are peer or patient nominated.
Felicity, who joined home care provider Extra Hands just over a year ago, was put forward by a service user’s husband, who described her as ‘enthusiastic and reliable’.
“She goes way beyond her remit of checking blood sugars, dealing with medication, and ensuring that my wife is ready for the day,” he wrote.
“All this as well as being polite, chatty, and just generally supportive. Just a remarkable carer.”
The mother-of-two, who lives near Fakenham, changed careers from working in art and design.
“I wasn’t consciously thinking that I wanted a caring role, but, after researching jobs that would fit in around my family, it seemed like a good option.
“Every day is different, and you’re seeing people every day who are really appreciative of your help. It’s really lovely to have that appreciation, and to feel you can do something to help someone and to make a difference.”
All images Ian Burt