Home Instead carer inspires the next generation

Home Instead’s ‘Caregiver of the Year’ has made his family so proud that his young son is now eager to follow in his footsteps.

A Home Instead caregiver who goes above and beyond for all of his clients is such an inspiration that his son is now set on following him into the care industry.

Mike Bradbury, who works at senior care franchise Home Instead Senior Care High Peak, joined the care industry late in life. At the age of 45, he became fed up of his unfulfilling role as a joiner and decided to completely reinvent himself as a carer, despite only having experience caring for his elderly parents. He explained what motivated him to take the plunge.

“Many people ‘of a certain age’ choose to stick with the path they’re on, even when they’re not happy, but I knew that helping other people would help me just as much. I took the leap and joined Home Instead. Now I give a lot of myself but in return my clients inspire me and I look forward to every day.”

Bradbury was put forward for the ‘Caregiver of the Year’ award by his boss, franchisee and owner of the High Peak office, Paul Vickers. He beat more than 9000 other caregivers to the title and Vickers explained why he was so deserving of the title.

“Mike is a genuine and special kind of caregiver. When he came to Home Instead, his only experience was of caring for his own parents but he wanted to make a difference to the lives of others in his local community. He took to the role like a duck to water and has proved to be an outstanding friend and a carer to all of his clients. His cool head and compassionate nature make Mike a truly inspirational individual. I’m really proud, though not at all surprised, to see him win this prestigious award.”

His dedication to his caring role has seen him learn how to wet shave so that he could help a client, teaching himself to cook his clients’ favourite dishes and even taking up watercolour painting so that his clients’ lives are as enjoyable as possible. His son Thomas is so proud that he stood up in class to tell everyone how he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“To have been honoured with this award is the cherry on the cake. To be honoured again by my son Thomas, well that’s an extra cherry on top of that! While other nine-year-olds might aspire to be firemen, astronauts, or pop stars, he’s looked at me and decided he wants to be a caregiver.”