Health and Social Care student, Caroline Tankard, 50, has overcome the difficulties of living with a profound hearing impairment, to train for a career in caring for the elderly.



Caroline decided to re-train for a career in Health and Social Care having spent many years caring for her ill grandmother at home. She realised that caring was what she wanted to do and contacted Derwent House Residential Home in Newbold, Chesterfield to ask their advice about training for a career in residential care.

Derwent House are now funding Caroline’s part-time NVQ2 course through the Gateway Health and Social Care programme at Chesterfield College, whilst she volunteers at the home twice a week, helping out with all aspects of care including feeding, dressing and bathing.

Caroline said, “I enjoy working here, the people are all really nice and I haven’t encountered any issues with my hearing impairment with staff or residents. I would eventually like to progress onto the NVQ Level 3 and would like to work in a care home part-time.”

Chesterfield College communicator Janet Haslam, who supports Caroline in her placement whilst she is undertaking her NVQ added, “Working at Derwent House has boosted Caroline’s confidence. She is extremely committed to the residents of Derwent House and to a career in Health and Social Care. She is definitely suited to this sort of work.”