xFind out about care that goes beyond delivering basic care needs as we shine the spotlight on the most compassionate career you can have within social care.
Within the next 20 years, the need for elderly care home places will increase by nearly 75% because of the ageing population. This doesn’t have to spell crisis though, in fact, it means an amazing wealth of opportunity within the care industry. There are lots of jobs in all different areas of care, and if you’re compassionate, you could find that a career in care is perfect for you.
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Thinking about a career in care? Worried about reports care home jobs are too strained?
A lot of people are put off care because they read headlines about care home staff being strained and not being able to do their job properly. Not all care homes are like this but, there is a lot of pressure on the care industry and it can be a little more rushed in some jobs. One area of care there is room to deliver a high standard of care and deliver more than basic care needs is care in the home. Care in the home is an incredible option for the 98% of people who would rather not go into a residential care home if they become unwell or unable to care for themselves. It is also an amazing way for carers to properly bond with clients and provide the kind of care they were trained to provide.
Want to know more? Take a look at these Q&A’s about care in the home for more reasons to consider the ultimate compassionate career:
What Is An At Home Carer?
An at home carer is somebody who either visits their clients or lives with their clients providing care in all different forms. Depending on the requests and individual needs of the client, your preferences and skill sets, you could be providing care in the form of:
- Personal care
- Medication assistance
- Physical therapy
- Help with mobility
- Help with appointments and running errands
- Pet care
- House care
- Meals and fulfilling nutritional needs
- Garden maintenance
Some clients might also want you to accompany them on holiday or go with them to social events. It depends on the clients needs, your preferences and the arrangement you come to with the family.
How Much Does An At Home Carer Get Paid?
The average carer makes £21,000 a year but, if your role involves live-in care you would have a broader capacity to earn more because of specialist training and because you will be working more hours than a visiting carer and will be able to save money when you’re not at home.
Do You Need A Degree To Be A Carer?
You don’t need any formal education to be a carer. However, voluntary work and experience in care, even if that is personal experience caring for a relative, counts for a lot when it comes to getting training within care. You’ll receive all the training you need from the agency you work for you you’ll be able to move into specialist care if you want to eventually.
What Are The Benefits of Working As An At Home Carer Instead Of Working In A Care Home?
In elderly care homes there is a strain on resources so you may only have minutes to provide basic care to your clients. In comparison with residential care homes, in home care is often on on one and you can provide the high levels of care you were trained to provide. Physical therapy, help with mobility, aiding quality of life, independent living, encouraging socialising, providing companionship, aiding nutrition – the list is endless. It is the difference between barely having time for a quick chat whilst you help someone get dressed, and being able to sit down and chat about a clients memories over a late night bacon sandwich ‘just because’.
If you are interested in working in a care job that is as compassionate as possible, affording you the time to deliver the standard or care you want to give, look into at home care today. It is an incredibly rewarding career choice that provides an excellent salary and an enormous amount of job satisfaction, perfect for anybody who wants to make a real difference with their career.