Paula B.

My name is Paula. I’m Brazilian-British and have lived in London for thirty years. I became a carer after supporting my dad through a major heart operation in August 2013. Later that year, I started working part-time as a domiciliary carer while also working as a nanny for three small children. By 2015, I was working full-time after completing professional training and receiving my carer certificate. In January 2016, I was honoured to receive the British Carer Award for Newcomer of the Year in the City of London—something I’m very proud of. I have supported clients living with dementia and Alzheimer’s since 2013, building over eleven years of experience in this area. I truly care about what I do. Being a carer means making a real difference in someone’s life, and I find that incredibly rewarding. It gives me a sense of purpose and connection, especially as I live far from my older relatives. I take pride in being warm, attentive, and respectful, always aiming to create a calm and comfortable environment. Over the years, and alongside my usual care—whether that’s companionship, help with personal and daily routines, or something more structured—I’ve also supported families in a personal assistant role. This has included coordinating medical appointments, contacting GPs and pharmacies, collecting prescriptions, running errands, and helping with day-to-day commitments. In 2018, I trained in Music for Awakening, a course that uses personalised playlists as therapy for people in the later stages of dementia. I also took part in a project using music in a well-known care home outside London, and it was a joy to see the results. I offer this as an additional service, helping reconnect people with memories and identity. It’s a joy to witness the difference it can make. I’m caring, trustworthy, and flexible. I’m also punctual and professional, with experience supporting people facing challenges living independently and with cognitive decline. Before becoming a carer, I studied Architecture in Brazil and worked as a catering manager for over 13 years in London. Outside of work, I enjoy art, exercise, photography, films, music, spending time with family, walking, swimming, travelling, looking after animals, and listening to music.