A well-known and admired
Monmouthshire Home Carer has retired after 42 years service.
Until recently Marcia (aka Kate)
Powell, 71, from Caldicot could be seen on most days riding her bike on her daily
house calls and she has became a part of every day life for many people in
Monmouthshire.
She said:
"I've loved my job so much that in
the past few years I've noticed that I'm older than many of my clients!"
When Marcia was first employed as a
'home help', one of her daily tasks was to clean the ashes from open fireplaces
and re-light fires. Over the years she has adapted to changes in the role where
she tends to many personal care needs.
"I was employed as a home help by a
Mrs Bailey 42 years ago and I was paid 3 shillings and 5 pence per hour.I used to cycle to each person from Sudbrook
to Blackrock, on to Rogiet and then Portskewett.
"I still get Christmas cards from
the children and grandchildren of people I cared for 35 years ago. The job has
been very rewarding and many of my clients have become dear friends."
Home Carers now support people of
all ages with a range of different needs they provide flexible assistance to
people covering a wide range of tasks. They may prepare meals, help with visits
to the toilet or give help with washing and dressing. The service helps people
stay independent and allows them to remain in their own homes safely.
Director of Monmouthshire County
Council's Social and Housing Services, Moyna Wilkinson said this week:
"I want to say a big thank you
to Marcia on behalf of the council for her 42 years of service.
"Our carers do an absolutely
invaluable job as you can tell from the recognition that Marcia has got over
the years from people she has cared for.
"The job has changed over the years
and clearly Marcia has kept up with those changes.
"Its a tribute to her that she looks
so well after working so long and I hope she has a long and happy retirement."
Home Care Assistants to enable them
to live as independently as possible. They also provide support to carers.
Cabinet Member for Adult Social
Services, Brian Hood, said: "We wish a happy retirement to Marcia! She has
helped many, many people over the years.
"Home Care
is an extremely rewarding job and I hope her story inspires others to consider
this as a career."
County Council (MCC) 
