A personal account by Senior Physiotherapy Assistant Carol Hughes
Carol’s background as an Education Healthcare Assistant has given her a wide experience of working with and caring for children and adults with additional and bespoke needs. She can provide general support to others and is passionate about providing good care and promoting independence for individuals.
Carol has worked in collaboration with physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and other healthcare staff within her patients’ home, school or hospital setting. Carol is trained in using Makaton and PECs, Moving and Handling, Safeguarding, Disability Awareness, Infection Prevention and Control Course, Online Safety, Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Completing the above training enabled Carol to assist as a team member in implementing personal well-being and health-related programs.
The people I meet are the best part of my job
When I tell people that I work as a Physiotherapy Assistant, they often imagine hospital wards and exercise programmes.
While those are certainly part of my role, what I enjoy most is the journey that comes with it. The people I meet, the places I visit, and the little moments that make every day special.
I have always loved being out and about rather than sitting behind a desk all day, which is one of the reasons this role suits me so well.
Every week brings new destinations, whether it’s a school, a residential home, a hospital, or a community setting.
I genuinely enjoy travelling between visits and knowing that each stop on my schedule will bring a different experience.
One of my favourite parts of the job is meeting people from all walks of life. Every person has their own story, personality, and journey. I feel privileged to spend time with them, support them, and celebrate their progress, no matter how big or small. Seeing someone achieve something they have been working towards is one of the most rewarding feelings.
Working with children
Working in schools brings so much energy to my day. Children have an amazing ability to make you smile, and I love watching their confidence grow as they develop new skills. Their determination and enthusiasm are often inspiring, and no matter how challenging the day has been, they always seem to bring a sense of positivity.
I also enjoy visiting residential homes, where I have had the opportunity to meet some incredible people. Listening to their life stories, sharing conversations, and building relationships has taught me so much. Often, the most meaningful part of the day is not just helping with physical goals but simply connecting with someone and brightening their day.
Working in the community
Community visits are another aspect of my role that I truly value. Being able to support people in their own environments makes the work feel personal and meaningful. It allows me to see how even small improvements can have a real impact on someone’s independence and everyday life.
Of course, there are busy days, long journeys, and challenges along the way, but those experiences are balanced by the satisfaction of knowing that my work makes a difference. The smiles, the thank-yous, the conversations, and the progress I witness remind me why I love what I do.
More than a job
Being a Physiotherapy Assistant is more than a job to me. It is a role that keeps me active, allows me to connect with people, and gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact every day. I am grateful for the experiences, the friendships, and the lessons I learn along the way.
For me, the greatest joy comes from knowing that every day is an opportunity to help someone move forward while continuing to grow and learn myself. And that is what makes this journey so enjoyable.