Helping Caregivers become Stars in their Community – Caroline’s story  

When Caroline Codyre joined Dovida Galway as a Caregiver in 2017, she thought of it as a vocation instead of a job and “loved every minute of it”. 

Nine years on, Caroline has progressed through a variety of roles in the company. Now as a Lead Training Coordinator, she uses her considerable experience to help Caregivers develop the skills and confidence they need to provide the highest standards of care and become stars in their community.   

Caroline was recognised for her outstanding contribution to our Caregivers when she received the Employee Experience Award at our recent national conference. Here, Caroline shares more about her career journey, what motivates her, and why supporting Caregivers to be the best they can be is the most rewarding part of her role.   

From Caregiver to Trainer   

Outside of work, Caroline is an avid golfer, with three All-Ireland medals to her name!  As a proud mother of six children, Caroline was a stay-at-home mam while she raised her family. When the time was right to come back to work, she decided to look for a flexible opportunity. With Dovida, Caroline found a role that allowed her to follow her passion for helping others, while offering the flexibility to balance family life.  

“It’s so flexible and absolutely brilliant for parents, particularly those with children going to school for the first time,” says Caroline. “I absolutely loved my time as a Caregiver. To make someone smile does your heart a world of good.”  

After progressing to Lead Caregiver, Caroline began delivering training, including manual handling and induction training.  

While her responsibilities have changed, her connection with clients remains.  

“I loved my clients, and I still step in with care visits when required. I also get to see them when I conduct quality assurance calls or when helping to supervise new Caregivers, so I’m very grateful to still have that connection.”  

Passing on her experience  

Today, Caroline splits her time between delivering training in the Galway office and being out on the road supporting client care across her region.  

A typical week is varied and can involve everything from delivering induction training to new Caregivers, helping them register and complete required courses, assisting people with documentation, and supporting QQI students with coursework and assignments.  

“We strive to help people become the best Caregivers they can be,” says Caroline.  

“In my opinion, the most important person is the Caregiver. If the Caregiver is happy, then the people in the office will be happy, and the clients will be very happy.”   

Caroline also makes herself readily available whenever support is needed.  

“I’m always on the end of the phone to help out with any situations that they may be unfamiliar with.”  

Making a difference in the community  

For Caroline, one of the most rewarding parts of her role is seeing the positive impact Caregivers have on clients’ lives.  

“The Caregiver might be the only person they see on any given day. It’s great for families to know that there’s someone going in to help and check that they’re okay.  

“A lot of times, Caregivers might pick up things that families might not notice. They have a huge role in keeping people safe at home, and I’m proud to play my part in making sure they have the skills, confidence, and knowledge to succeed.”  

‘Hard work rewarded’

Receiving the Employee Experience Award came as a complete surprise to Caroline, who says she knew “absolutely nothing” about being nominated.   

“When the award was being announced at the conference, I was thinking to myself, that is what I do, and I was wondering who was doing the same as me! 

“I am absolutely thrilled and humbled to get the award, and I feel the hard work that I put in is being rewarded. 

“My Operations Manager, Jackie, was there with me, and she said you could see from my face that I was absolutely stunned. I was in shock for days.”  

Join Caroline in a career in care: become a Star in your Community    

If you would like to develop a career in care in your community, take the first step by completing the application form below, or call 1800 911 855 to speak with a member of our hiring team.