When Andrea first joined the team at Emmaus House, Whitehaven, she never imagined she would still be there nearly three decades later. Today, at 54, she is one of the home’s longest-serving team members, working as a senior carer

She has seen people arrive with dementia or other complex needs, and watched them settle, flourish, and rediscover joy. “They do have a nice time in here,” she says warmly. “It makes such a difference when it’s a lovely place to live.”

The recently refurbished lounge is one of the improvements she’s proudest of. “It’s like a top-class hotel,” she says. “It’s soothing, relaxing. Somewhere nice for us to work, and nice for those who live here.” With sweeping countryside views, horses in nearby fields, and even the occasional deer or pheasant wandering past, the home’s setting enhances that sense of calm.

“One of the gentlemen living here Irvine, used to be a farmer and dealt with horses a lot. Sometimes we’ve had the horses round the front. He’s thrilled to go out and stroke them.”

Over the years, Andrea has cared for countless people, each with their own story, quirks, and character. Many have stayed with her long after they passed.

She remembers one lady from a travelling background who was full of tales and occasional mischief. “She was very funny,” Andrea says, “A real character.”

The joy, Andrea explains, lies not just in providing practical care, but in making everyday life meaningful. One of her favourite memories comes from the trips she used to help run. “We went everywhere,” she recalls. “Christmas lights, shopping, days out.” She fondly describes a 100‑year‑old lady’s birthday trip on the miniature Ravenglass railway. “It was a lovely warm day. We had a picnic by the river. Those were such good times.”

The role of senior carer has changed a lot since Andrea started. Care planning and digital systems have transformed the job, and the shift to computer-based work initially terrified her. “I was never a computer person,” she admits. “I thought, I’m not going to be able to stay here.”

But with support from colleagues, she got to grips with things, and now even helps others when they get stuck. “It’s just your confidence,” she says. “You get through it.”

Team spirit is a major part of what keeps her going. “We’re a good team here. We support one another.” It’s also one of the reasons she picks up extra shifts without hesitation, coming in on her days off. “There’s not a day where I wake up and think ‘I don’t want to go down there’,” she says.

Outside of work, Andrea’s life is full. Married at 17, she and her husband Tony – formerly a long-distance lorry driver – raised two children and now have four grandchildren. Holidays are another passion; she loves Portugal and she and Tony have recently returned from a cruise round Thailand. Her everyday pleasures are simpler: walks around the harbour, coffee with friends, a bit of shopping.

Asked what she’d say to a young person considering care work, Andrea doesn’t hesitate. “Have a go,” she says. Although she recognises the challenges – physical work, emotional moments, the pressure to meet complex needs – she believes the rewards outweigh them all.

“You’re helping people. Making a difference. Seeing them smile. There’s more purpose in that than anything else.”

After 28 years, Andrea has no plans to retire. “My husband laughs at me. When he talks about retirement, I tell him: don’t put me in that category. I like coming to work.”