A MEMBER of staff at a care provider in Ystradgynlais has shown that care work can be a job for life after celebrating 30 years of working in the industry.

Karen Howell began her career as a carer for Powys County Council’s domiciliary care services in 1989 and worked for 25 years there before joining a private care provider in the area, purchased by Abacare in 2016.

Fifty-seven-year-old Karen said: “30 years is a long time to work in care, but I really enjoy my job.

“I get on very well with all of my service users and colleagues and that is what makes my job so great.

“I find it extremely rewarding being able to change people’s lives and it is a job that I feel proud to do.

“Abacare is a great company to work for, which is why I have stayed so long and I certainly have no plans to retire anytime soon.

“I would highly recommend anyone interested in a career in care to give it a go as for me, it’s become a vocation in life, and I couldn’t imagine not being a carer.”

In her spare time Karen helps out at a rugby club in her area, making food for the players after they have played a match and at other social events at the club.

She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Joe Jenkins, Registered Manager at Abacare’s Ystragynlais office, said: “We would like to congratulate Karen on her long service in the industry.

“She is a prime example to other people that a job in care can be for life.

“She is extremely dedicated, hardworking and most importantly of all, caring, and she is a true inspiration to others.

“As a team we recently sat down and came up with the hashtag #ChangeLives, to use on our social channels, that embodies what our carers do and highlights the fact that care isn’t just a job.

“During her 30 years of service in the industry Karen has changed many of our service user’s lives for the better.

“Our service users benefit hugely from having long serving staff members look after them as it means they can get to know a friendly face and form a friendship over the years.

“This makes them more comfortable having someone they know and recognise come into their home."