Ambient carer from Bourne retired 36 years to the day she started work

A dedicated carer has retired 36 years to the day she started work in social care.

Janice Day, from Bourne, retired on Tuesday last week (August 3) following a lengthy career in social care.

Janice’s began work as an auxiliary nurse at St Peter’s Hospital in 1985. She later moved into social care and in 1997 she began working at Blackthorn Way where she has remained.

Blackthorn Way provides around-the-clock care for four adults with learning disabilities and Janice has loved every minute of her job, stating that no day in the past 36 years has been the same.

She said: “There is no such thing as an average day. I’m a carer, a cook, taxi driver, entertainer and cleaner - but most of all, I’m a friend.

"We are all things to the people we care for, but I’ve based my career on ensuring that I treat the people I support as I’d like to be treated myself.

"The last 36 years have not felt like a job. The staff and tenants at Blackthorn Way are my second family and I’ve known some of them since the service opened 24 years ago.”

Personal reasons have brought Janice’s retirement forward sooner than she had hoped, however, she is not stopping completely.

“I have decided to stay on as a volunteer. The tenants are my family and whilst I can’t work full time, I still have more to give, which volunteering will allow me to do,” she said.

At a surprise event, Janice was presented with gifts by Laura Jackson, deputy locality manager, in recognition of her dedication to those she cared for in Ambient’s supported living services.

Mark Milton, chief executive, also praised Janice for her unwavering passion and dedication.

He said: “Janice has worked tirelessly throughout her career to help people live individual lives and be supported in the best way for them.

"Her efforts are limitless and her contribution to both those she has cared for and staff members at Blackthorn Way are exceptional, she will be hugely missed.”