Advice for volunteering in hope of a job in care home...

earthbound_misfit

I realise this isn't strictly moneysaving at this stage, however having been out of work for 3 years (due to mental health) I figured offering to do a trial period on a voluntary basis would help me in getting a job. I've worked in care previously and I would like a care job because it's wonderful to go into work and know you can make a difference to people's day... the only job I've kept any length of time (ie. longer than 2-3 months) was care work because of this. If I'm honest, I'm not really ready to go back to work in the broadest sense, but I think I could mange certain jobs at under full-time (24-30 hrs). It might sound silly, but caring for people comes naturally to me and so the mentalness side of things is easily stilled when I am doing so, unlike other jobs.

Anyway, this particular care home has suggested I go in as a volunteer on some of their trips out, social afternoons etc. So I am going as they go to a tea dance later today. I am completely bricking it, absolutely terrified. So thought I'd ask here for any advice, especially from those who work in care.

The main thing I'm worried about is the lack of structure... In my other care jobs the residents have been very physically disabled, some with dementia etc. (Apparently due to changes in funding those who are phsyically disabled only are now cared for at home). So you have obvious things to do; helping them wash, dress, eat, whatever, whilst getting to know them and having a natter as you go. This volunteering thing elimates all that and is simply "getting to know them". If someone asks me to hand out tea or something I'll be fine, but it I'm terrified I'll just be hanging round not sure what to do.

All the residents have dementia at one stage or another, though most are nowhere near as unwell as where I worked before, so I don't really know how to communicate/what to say, and without the structure of "good morning, I've come to help you have a bath" type stuff I don't even know where to start.
I'm not stupid and can take the initiative if there's obviously somewhere I can help, but drifting round talking to the residents with no real role is my worst nightmare in terms of anxiety.

Any advcie/encouragement appreciated...

dandelionclock30

You've said before that you think you will have difficulties being employed in this sector because of things on your CRB. You have said that the police have been called out a couple of times to you when you have been unwell.If I remember rightly.
Is this new place o.k with your disclosure and your past issues?

Some care places will employ people with things on their CRB, but a lot wont and its much harder.
I hope all goes well for you, but you need to be totally realistic.

earthbound_misfit

I got the impression I would have got the job that is currently advertised, had my DBS (formerly CRB) disclosure been blank (I'd called them to say I was interested in the job but due to length of time out of work would love to do an unpaid trial period... blah blah. they called back and said I was the first person they'd contacted about the job... perhaps having difficulty recruiting trained staff? Although NVQ isn't much there are legal guidelines about staff having it). I have an NVQ in care and all experience dates from after the convictions. Obviously we covered these in my interview last week.
I'm leaving to go there in half an hour and still terrified...

dandelionclock30

Im sure you'll be o.k, just go with the flow and observe what others are doing, chat to people and if your not sure of anything just ask.
Ask the staff what they want you to do etc so that your not drifting about etc. Also you could ask about reading the policies book if theres not much to do. This shows your interested and want to do things properly.

Aryndeneth

From my experience, volunteers are rarely left with little to do in these situations, there's always room for another pair of hands to get stuck in. Also, you mention " If someone asks me to hand out tea or something I'll be fine, but it I'm terrified I'll just be hanging round not sure what to do" if you do find yourself unoccupied, don't wait for someone to tell/ask you to do something, be proactive - see what the other staff and volunteers are doing and ask how you can help or spot a job that needs doing and just do it e.g. pick up a teapot and go around the people there and see if anyone wants more tea, while you're talking to them ask if there's anything else you can help them with. This proactiveness is what gets you noticed and valued. Hope it works out for you.

dawyldthing

A lot of older people just want someone to talk to. whether its about the past or whats on the tv. Ask to see if they want to play a board game or a game of cards (as even though some may have dementia they are often still aware of things depending upon how advanced they are). I know when I did my duke of edinburgh I went in for an hour a week for 6 months talking to them and playing cards and stuff and they were lovely.

There is a shortage of people that want to work in care though as I know around here theres one company (not the one I work for I might add) that recruits for an activity co-ordinator/carer every month or so without fail.

jobbingmusician

If you run out of things to do, simply sit down and chat to the person who seems moderately disruptive. Choose the worst one if you can face it, but if not, just talk to someone who is making a lot of fuss, or alternatively someone who seems very quiet and isolated. (The problem is, only the most skilled employers will give you as much credit for talking to the lonely person, whereas most will appreciate you distracting the 'problem' person.)