A day in the life...Michaela, our Care Assistant

I'm Michaela and I’ve been a Care Assistant at Dove House Hospice for just over two years.
I’ve always wanted to work in end of life and palliative care since becoming a carer. I was drawn to Dove House because they care for MND, MS, and dementia patients, it was such a diverse role. Their person-centred approach and the beautiful stories I'd heard made it feel like the perfect fit for me.

The staff here made me feel welcome from day one. The warmth of the Inpatient Unit and the compassion shown to patients was obvious immediately. My confidence has only grown since joining, even though I was already a confident person.

Dove House is special in many ways, but what stands out most is the respect shown to everyone, from consultants to care assistants, volunteers, and patients. Person-centred care is a priority, with individual needs like meals, choices, and religion always considered.

I look forward to work every day. Each hour is different, but my highlight is making a positive impact on patients, families, and friends. Whether it’s offering care in busy times or sitting with them during quieter moments, I always strive to provide person-centred, quality care.

My precious moment was when a 29 year old mum was dying, and her four young children were staying in the Family Suites. Her wish was for them to be with her, but it became too traumatic. We took the children out into the garden on a sunny day, fed fish, visited other patients with pets, and introduced them to the kitchen staff. They had a blast asking the chef questions. We also created a fun game to share an Easter egg, and the kids' laughter filled the room. I thought, if their mum could hear them laughing in her final moments, it would bring happiness to her heart.

When she died, I knew the children needed to say their goodbyes. It was the hardest day for me, but the kids were amazing. The teamwork at Dove House was incredible, everyone worked together for that family. It was a tough time, but you have to remember other patients and families still need care. We’re human, and emotions come up, but we’re offered great support when needed. As a team, we get through it together, always caring for one another too.

There's no typical day on the Inpatient Unit—every day is different. I come with a positive attitude, and as long as patients, families, and colleagues are happy, it's a good day. Even the smallest things can mean so much to patients. Working at Dove House can be emotional but incredibly rewarding. I always feel I’m fulfilling my role, and if I can’t do something, there's always someone there to help. It’s teamwork at its best.

This is the best job I’ve ever had, it’s a privilege to be with patients at the end of their journey, as important as the moment they enter the world.