4 out of 4 stars
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In 2002, the life of Christopher Bulteel underwent a dramatic change. At the age of 53, recently learned about health-related issues led Chris to leave his lengthy career in catering, and enter into the medical support field as a care worker. He soon found out that those working within this position are often highly underpaid, yet still quite dedicated. In his own words, these are the true unsung heroes, working hard every day at their jobs of helping others. In his nonfiction book, Trust me I’m a Care Worker: Extracts from a Diary of a Care Worker, Mr. Bulteel gives us a lighthearted and often humorous peek into his time spent as a care worker. We are also given insight into a parallel career he held in local authorities.
I was drawn to this book because I felt that I could relate to the author and some of his stories. I spent five years as a Certified Nursing Assistant within a long term care facility. Although Christopher Bulteel’s work brought him into the homes of his clients, and my work was within the facility, I did find many aspects of Mr. Bulteel’s remembrances to be familiar. As he describes his various encounters throughout his workday, you can really tell how much the author cares about his clients, even when situations get a little rough.
Christopher Bulteel’s stories are both relatable and enjoyable. Within his book, we find engaging tales that make us laugh and warm our hearts. The clients the author describes are strong beyond reason, and their stories are unique and memorable. One of the many that sticks out in my head occurred on a rainy July evening. Basically, the story involves a task that requires two care workers, a mechanical hoist, a client who wants to go to bed right away, and a delayed second care worker. Throw in a storm that shorts out the hoist while in use, extra care workers who show up after the fact to help, an ambulance crew, a couple of policemen, a lot of tea, and later, an unavoidable disciplinary hearing, and you get a laugh out loud memory and a few lessons learned.
Although we only get a brief glimpse into the lives of those individuals the author worked with, Christopher Bulteel does a great job of making each moment memorable. I enjoy the casual tone of his writing, and the way he weaves lessons learned into his work. I definitely think this book would appeal to those who have worked within this industry, and also to those who enjoy reading personal stories and anecdotes. If such tales are not your cup of tea, then this book may not be for you.
What I think I enjoy most in his book, is the way Christopher Bulteel highlights the positives, both in people and in situations. The negatives are mentioned as they occur, but he does not dwell upon them. The author’s writing points to a very positive demeanor. I also find the chapter titles to be very clever. They work well to set up the reader to enjoy the upcoming tale. There is not anything that I think I would change, and it is with pleasure that I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. While there are some spelling and grammar errors, such as using the word tuned instead of turned, as well as odd chapter breaks, neither take away from my enjoyment or from my understanding of the reading. A completely polished look may even take away from this book being compiled from the author’s diary.
There is a quote from page 21 that I find to be so true. “I have learned very quickly to take one day at a time, as a care worker should never assume that any day, however carefully mapped out for them by their line manager, will proceed according to plan.” I think this is true, not only for care workers, but for all of us. If you are looking for heartwarming laughter and everyday imperfections, then I think you should give this book a try. I truly enjoyed it.
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Trust me, I’m a care worker
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