A FORMER optician who switched careers to work more with older people is in the running for a national care award.

Louise Price, 39, spent 10 years of her working career as a dispensing optician in Abergavenny, often tending to elderly customers who were lonely and unsure of the prescription process, until, two years ago, she realised she wanted to make more of a difference for them and applied for a job as an administrator at Penpergwm House Residential Home in the town.

Mrs Price said: “I said to my husband, Jason, that I had to do something different.

“I would spend a lot of time with the older generation who were quite lonely. It was the only time they got to go out all week – to pick up their glasses.

“Sometimes I’d get them a cup of tea and chat, as much as you can in retail. It got me thinking that I wasn’t really doing anything rewarding in my current job.”

The mother-of-three, who lives in Llanarth, has since become involved with showing new clients and their families around the home and making sure residents were happy with in-house menus and activities.

And, within 18 months of being employed at Penpergwm House, the former Monmouth Comprehensive School pupil is now celebrating being shortlisted for the Exceptional Newcomer award in the Wales Care Awards 2016.

Jointly nominating Mrs Price for her award, registered manager Priscilla Llewelyn and general manager Tracey Williams said: “All in all, Louise Price is a young woman who has taken to her work at Penpergwm House like a duck to water.

"She is a natural at it and we would not be the same establishment without her."

The award, sponsored by Coleg Cambria, acknowledges the 'hard work and exceptional performances' of those in the care sector.

Mrs Price, who will be attending the awards ceremony with her husband next month, says she’s never been happier at work and has found a job that truly reflects her personality.

"I’m very lucky as sometimes it’s really difficult to find a job to suit your personality," she added.

“I honestly didn’t think I would get anywhere as I don’t think I’m anything special, I’m just being me.

“It was difficult at first to accept that I was worthy of it. I’m incredibly proud and my children are over the moon."