Heniya El Karfi

I have learnt from my over 20 years of experience as a carer/healthcare assistant to be compassionate and supportive with my clients. Since I have worked in different countries (Italy and England), I have worked with different healthcare systems and carried out different roles. I have always made sure to complete the necessary training before carrying out any hands-on responsibilities.

My long experience in this field has also helped me develop my skills in providing personal care, including supporting people with complex care needs such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, psychiatric conditions, and spinal cord injuries. For me, communication is the key to working well with my clients. I always obtain their consent before starting any tasks.

I begin by explaining what tasks need to be completed that day and making sure they understand. If consent is not given, I try to rephrase my explanation, including why the task is important and in their best interest. I then discuss the reasons why the client does not want to proceed and see if I can resolve the issue so we can continue with the task.

I try to find a solution that is acceptable for both myself as the carer and is safe and appropriate for the client's needs. If the client still does not change their mind and has the capacity to make their own decisions, I respect their choice, inform my superiors, and record the refusal on the system. I have also worked with clients who required double-up care, collaborating closely with another care to provide safe and effective support.

This required clear communication, teamwork, and coordination to ensure the highest standard of care and the best possible outcomes for the client.

Healthcare assistant - Bluebird Care (Waltham Forest) - Waltham Forest

(2021-01)

In this role, I provided care and support to my clients by assisting with personal care, prompting medication, and ensuring they were eating and drinking appropriately. I also provided urine catheter care, collected urine samples for delivery to the GP surgery, accompanied clients to appointments, and communicated with GP surgeries and pharmacies regarding enquiries and repeat prescriptions. In addition, I supported clients with everyday tasks, including putting away groceries and helping them maintain their daily routines.

Healthcare assistant - Focus Care Link (Leyton) - Leyton

(2019-01 - 2021-12)

In this role, I supported clients with a range of needs, including hearing impairment, epilepsy, autism, and visual impairment. I adapted my communication to each client's individual needs, using patience and non-verbal communication where appropriate.

• Supported clients with epilepsy by recording seizure times, administering medication according to the care plan, and calling 999 in an emergency if required.
• Assisted clients with hearing aids by cleaning the devices and changing batteries or charging them when needed.
• When supporting clients with autism, I maintained a consistent routine and used calm reassurance to manage challenging behaviour while promoting their independence.
• Supported clients with visual impairment by assisting them safely with their daily activities.

Healthcare assistant - Residenza Anni Azzurri Conero - Torrette, Italy

(2008-01 - 2018-12)

In this role, I supported 21 clients alongside another care worker and a nurse. This required clear communication, good time management, and the ability to prioritise tasks, particularly when the nurse required assistance. Throughout my work, I always maintained my clients' dignity, privacy, and respect while promoting their independence whenever possible.

• Provided personal care, prompting medication, changing bed sheets, assisting with feeding (including supporting clients with dysphagia).
• Used hoists, slings, and slide sheets to safely move and position clients.
• Assisted nurses with dressing changes for pressure sores and supported clients with physiotherapy exercises between appointments to aid their recovery.
• Worked with clients receiving PEG and NG tube feeding, monitoring the feeding bag and ensuring it was closed correctly once feeding was complete.
• Supported clients with psychological conditions, including severe antisocial and intermittent explosive behaviour.
• During aggressive episodes, followed procedures to ensure the safety of myself and other clients while assisting the nurse when medication was required.

Mathematics functional skills - Waltham forest college (2021-01 - 2021-12)

Level 1 - Caring for children (Child care) - Waltham forest college (2021-01 - 2021-12)

Level 1 - English functional skills - City and Guilds of London (2019-01 - 2019-12)

Baccalaureate - Experimental science - Mohammed V (High school) (1994-01 - 1994-12)

Level 1 - Social and Healthcare - 9000uno Urbani (Senigalia, Italy) (2011-01 - 2013-12)

Information Technology - Institute of Applied Technology 2 (Safi, Morocco) (1996-01 - 1998-12)