Singing, playing, walking – Inga Lauri has many ideas to improve the daily life of the residents of the “Haus am Stern Olvenstedt” retirement home in Magdeburg. “In the morning, I usually organize a group activity in our department, for example a memory promotion or physical activity games,” explains the 47-year-old caregiver. Then she takes the time for individual visits – first with bedridden seniors who cannot leave their rooms. “I listen to people, we sing together, I put cream on their hands – I’m just there for them,” says Inga Lauri.
An internship convinced her
She is very happy to be able to do something good for others with her work. And she is happy to have finally found a permanent job. When Lauri left Ukraine for Germany with her husband and son six years ago, she had to start from scratch in many areas. “In my home country, I worked as a choir director and later as a supermarket manager. Here in Magdeburg, I was involved in a socio-cultural association for several years, but unfortunately I could not find a permanent job there,” she says. In an integration measure, she finally had the opportunity to do an internship as a nursing assistant.
“At first I was skeptical that I would have to lift heavy things for this job because I have back problems,” says Inga Lauri. But then she quickly realized that the tasks of a carer are very different from the often physically demanding job of the carer. The most important thing is that you love people and want to help them. “At the very beginning, I had trouble seeing the poor physical condition of some seniors. But gradually I got used to seeing and paying attention to people’s needs and how I can support them.
The training lasts three months
Inga Lauri decided to take the three-month training to become a caregiver at the BBI Institute for Vocational Education. During the course, she learned a lot about various illnesses and the special needs of older people and what offers can be made for them. “I had live online classes every day, but also self-study phases in which I was able to deepen the material,” explains Lauri. Additional training at the BWI also included a two-week placement in a care facility. “During the internship, I asked my boss if I could apply there and she accepted. I did very well in my exam and four days later I started my new job.
Since the beginning of the year, Inga Lauri has been working seven hours a day as a nursing assistant at the “Haus am Stern”. “Most of the time, we have two caregivers in charge of a service. Depending on the shift, I work until the afternoon or the evening. His commitment is also solicited on weekends and public holidays. But there are never night shifts for caregivers. Inga Lauri has found the perfect job for herself: “I think it’s so nice to be in contact with so many people again, like in my previous job – and that I can sing with them.”
The BWI offers further training to become a caregiver in many cities in Germany. Classes start regularly and are offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Continuing education can be financed, for example, by an education voucher. Further information is available at www.ibb.com/betreuungskraft.