Care Work

pennyshahin_2

Hi I've recently left my other job and i've been thinking about going into caring, i've started doing a home and social care course-thing is I don't know if it's really me, I'm probably over sensitive-so I don't know how I'd be in a care home, I'm not firm at all, I don't know if I'd cope with it all very well.

Oldernotwiser

Why not pick up a couple of shifts to find out?

In addition you could think about working as a carer in the community rather than in a residential environment if you think you might prefer that.

pennyshahin_2

Hi thanks is a carer in the community when you go to peoples homes?

torikate

Yes it is. Care work is very rewarding, but hard work. tbh you learn to become de-sensitised (to a point) although you love your residents etc you need to always keep it in your head that they will pass away so try not too get too close to them. This is the only way I have managed to cope. The job teaches you the skills you need and once you become used to your residents you will learn ways to support and interact with each one. Care work is a very fullfilling job....I could never do another job! Good luck!
Tori xXx

shiprob195

pennyshahin wrote: »

Hi thanks is a carer in the community when you go to peoples homes?

Yes, or help people in their daily lives.
There are many elderly people who live in their own homes, who need support to get up in the morning, cooking and basic care needs.

I have just been offered a job supporting autistic adults in the community. I used to work as a home care assistant. I many looked after the elderly in their own homes. My shifts were evenings, spending half an hour or so with each person. Making drinks and assisting them to get ready for bed etc.
My shift was 3-4 hours long and each service user had 30 mins of care.
So I looked after 6 -8 people each evening.

It is a demanding, but, rewarding job.

Good luck

HTH

honeyD

Ive been doing this for about 2 months now. I am enjoying it and learning along the way.
I must say I sometimes find it a little difficult sometimes as Im shy and take things to heart too easily but I am coping and enjoying it. I think its making me open up more and stop being so shy as there are loads of people to talk to lol.
I work in the community and I take my bike to get around. I did walk but I found it difficult and my employer doesnt pay travel expenses so if I want to take the bus its out of my own pocket. I think the walking/getting around is the hardest part of the job so far, the rest is a doddle once you know what youre doing in their houses. Going to a new house is like starting over again though lol until you get used to where everything is and what they need.
I would reccommend it though, it makes such a difference to peoples lives.

loulou123

As far as working in a care home, i'd say it would depend on the kind of home you were thinking of working in, as there are many different types, residental homes, nursing homes and EMI homes.

I work in a EMI (elderly mentally infirm) home, and this can be quite challenging at times, as some of the clients can be quite aggressive etc.

I'd say to look into exactly the sort of home you would like to work at and then go from there to trying out a few shifts.

doodlesmum

Hi,

I have been doing care work for 17yrs started off working in a home for around 3yrs then decided to community care which is working in peoples homes and have been doing it ever since i have gained my NVQ 3 along the way employers should offer to put you in for your NVQ 2 or 3.
There are different types of care such as ALD ( Adults with learning difficulties) or children, EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) these two are challenging but rewarding jobs .
My job is working with the elderly but i also do support work with ALD and i would"nt do any other job now .

As another poster has stated there is also nursing and residential homes.Be prepared for probably having to do shifts and weekends and evenings as most homes or agencies will require this.The work will entail personal care and such if you work in the community it may also entail shopping for a client things that they may be unable to for themselves.

It is a rewarding job to do i have been with my present employer 7yrs and a couple of services users i started going to from the beginning so have built up a lovely working relationship .You do on the odd occasion get a service user that may be a bit harder to please but that will come with experience

You need above all a caring nature dont worry about being sensitive that will be a positive if anything because it shows caring dont worry if you do feel a bit sensitive in the beginning as time goes on your confidence will build.

Best thing thing is as other posters have suggested try a couple of shift in either a home or community you will know then if you will enjoy it as a job .

Good luck

Doodlesmum.