Care Assistant

Being a home based carer can certainly be one of the more challenging jobs – however it can also be one of the most fulfilling. When considering applying for this role, it would be a good idea to look at the list we have prepared below.

Over the years, we have found that our best carers possess the following personality traits and qualities. Please consider them carefully, and see if you think you could be a match!

Respect – Naturally as a person ages and finds that their mobility and even mental capacities are reducing. It is therefore of the utmost importance that you are always able to show respect for our clients at all times.

Empathy – Very similar to respect, you must be able to show empathy for the people you care for. Are you able to put yourself in the shoes of another human being, and see a situation from their point of view? If so, you will likely make a great carer!

Reliable – A large part of the caring for our clients lies in creating workable schedules. You will be performing very important tasks for the everyday wellbeing of those you care for – cleaning and dressing them, feeding them and helping them to maintain a link to the outside world. You must therefore be a reliable person, who will not miss shifts and disrupt this care.

Friendly – It could well be that as a carer you spend more time with the client than anyone else. You should therefore be a friendly person, with a generally happy and sunny disposition. This will help you to form the kinds of working relationships that will be required to be an effective carer.

Observant – And because you may spend more time with them than anyone else, it is a big bonus if you are generally an observant person. This will help you notice small changes from day to day – in appetite, sleep patterns, weight loss – that can be indicators of underlying problems.

Caring – Finally, to be a good carer you must care about people – as simple as that!

If all of that sounds like you, then the next stage is to take a look at what is required of you within this specific job role:

Key tasks and responsibilities

• One of the key tasks of this role is to be a companion to the client you are assigned to care for. They can often be lonely and isolated, so it is important you are a friendly and warm person who can build up a rapport with the care clients.
• Many clients have mobility issues, so you will be required to assist them in moving about in their everyday lives – for example, helping them get out of bed in the morning and then getting into bed at night.
• Their mobility can also sometimes affect the ability of the clients to perform household tasks, such as light housekeeping and laundry. Where required, you will assist the client in these functions.
• You will be required to assist clients with all aspects of their daily personal hygiene regimes. This includes washing and bathing the clients and providing any assistance they may require in accessing and using toilet facilities.
• Nutrition plays an important part in the welfare of our clients. As such, you will assist the clients with cooking, including preparing meals, providing any assistance with eating that may be required and also cleaning and tidying away any utensils, plates, etc that have been used.
Finally, one of your key tasks will revolve around assisting our clients to maintain their independence, so you will assist them on any social outings such as going shopping.

This is a job that can ask a lot, but it is also a career that gives a lot back to you as well! Here are just some of the benefits you can expect to receive during your time working with us:

Benefits

• Complete training is provided.
• Wages start at £13.50 per hour, with additional bonus rate for weekend work.
• Guaranteed Minimum hours per week – this is not a zero hours contract!
• Payment scheme to cover mileage
• Potential for advancement and career development
• The flexibility to create your own working schedule
• 28 days of paid holiday including Bank Holidays
• And of course, the chance to have a truly meaningful career that has a huge positive impact.

Requirements

There are also some requirements that must be in place in order for you to be accepted for this position, which are:

• Full eligibility to work in the UK
• Completion of enhanced DBS background checks
• The provision of suitable references
• Full driving license & use of a car

If you think you have what it takes for this challenging but ultimately highly rewarding role, then please apply as soon as possible.

During this stage of your application, please state your availability both to start and also when you can work in a typical week. There is no commitment to long hours, and we will happily consider applicants with only one or two nights or weekend availability.