From Retail to Care: How Kerry Found Her Calling During the Pandemic

When the world slowed down during the pandemic, many people found themselves rethinking what really mattered. For Kerry Jones-Stewart, that reflection changed the course of her life. Before 2020, she worked in retail management - building teams, solving problems, and keeping stores running smoothly.

But when COVID-19 arrived, Kerry, like so many others, was placed on furlough. The sudden stillness made her pause. “I remember sitting there thinking, what can I do to help?” she says. “It just felt wrong to do nothing when people around me needed support.”

That one thought - small but powerful - became the spark for a complete career change. Kerry signed up to help during the national crisis, taking her first steps into specialist care. It was a world she hadn’t planned to enter, but one that quickly felt like home.

Finding Purpose in Helping Others

What started as a temporary way to “help out” soon became something much more meaningful. “Once I began working with clients, I realised I didn’t just enjoy it - I loved it,” Kerry says. “It gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt before.”

The early days of home care services were challenging. Restrictions were tight, families were anxious, and carers had to find creative ways to keep people safe and connected. “It was emotional,” she remembers. “People were lonely, and sometimes we were the only faces they saw. But there was so much kindness - everyone came together, and that made the hard days worthwhile.”

Through those months, Kerry discovered what truly motivated her: making a difference in someone’s day, even in small ways. A conversation, a smile, or a comforting word became the highlight of her work.

Building a Career That Matters

Five and a half years later, Kerry is perfectly suited as the Recruitment Manager at Right at Home North Cheshire, helping others discover the same sense of fulfilment she found. Her background taught her how to listen, communicate, and understand people - skills that proved invaluable in private home care services.

“I think that’s what surprises a lot of people,” she says. “You don’t need a medical background to be a great carer. What matters most is empathy, patience, and the willingness to learn.”

Kerry’s role now focuses on finding people who share those values. She interviews candidates, oversees vetting and compliance, and ensures every carer feels supported. “It’s not just about filling positions,” she explains. “It’s about finding the right match - carers who genuinely care and clients who feel understood.”

A Lasting Impact Beyond the Job

Looking back, Kerry sees her journey as a reminder that life’s unexpected turns often lead to the most meaningful destinations. “If COVID hadn’t happened, I probably never would’ve tried care,” she admits. “But now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Every day, she sees the ripple effect of compassionate care in clients' smiles, in families' gratitude, and in the carers who find pride in what they do. "It's more than a job," Kerry says softly. "It's ensuring the right someone is there when they need you most."

Kerry's story reflects the heart of Right at Home North Cheshire: people from all walks of life, united by kindness and driven by the belief that care - real, human care - changes everything.

Contact Right at Home North Cheshire today for the best private home care services throughout North Cheshire.