I have been a Porter at Nightingale House for over 15 years. I am a Hearing Loss Champion. I have hearing loss myself and a speech impediment. It was important for me to do the course and become a Champion, so that I can help other Residents with hearing loss.

I accompany Residents to the hairdresser or to the therapy room for their physio. When I took the course I was able to understand more about the impact of hearing loss for myself and the Residents. I now understand that some Residents only hear high notes and others low notes. The course has taught me about the wider environment of living in a Care Home. I need to make sure there is enough light, so Residents can lip read and that it is not too noisy at lunchtime. I also check that communication is face to face and people don’t shout at those with hearing loss.

The course has really helped me with my confidence. It gave me the chance to express myself and learn more about my condition. I have had hearing loss since childhood, so I really empathise with the Residents who, like me, find it hard to hear. I feel proud I can help them.

I love working here as it is very inclusive. Staff, Volunteers, Residents, we all try and help each other as much as we can. Although I have other work in my role as a porter, I try to engage as much as I can with the Residents, see if they need anything, if they are okay.