Jobs and Careers Summer 2023 - 152

CARE HOMES
A home
from home
Many elderly people require residential care.
If you want to make their experience better,
a job in a care home may be for you
W
orking in a care
home can be
demanding, but
it's also richly
rewarding, with
good long-term prospects. Over the next
few decades, the UK will need many
more care homes to cater to the ageing
population. By 2043, 25% of people in
England will be aged 65 or over, and
we're all living longer - life expectancy is
now 79 years for men and 83 for women.
That means increasing numbers of people
will need residential care and support,
and if you have experience in the sector,
you'll always be in demand.
What's more, if you don't currently
have any qualifications, it won't hold you
back. If you're hard working, committed
and compassionate, you can start at entry
level and earn the qualifications you need
while you work. This will initially be a
Care Certificate, and you'll also learn first
aid. You can then train while working,
taking RQF (NVQ) levels in Health &
Social Care. That way, even if you start
with no qualifications, you can progress
to more senior positions and build a solid
career. Apprenticeships are also available,
so you can gain qualifications while
learning from experienced staff.
But working in a care home is about
more than earning money and forging
a career - at its heart, it's about making
a difference to people in the autumn of
their lives. You'll be helping to give them
the dignity and comfort they deserve.
For those who don't have family nearby
and involved in their lives, you'll also be
playing the role of a second family. When
you look at it like that, it's one of the most
important and valuable jobs in the world.
Care homes vary to suit the needs of
their residents. In some, residents are
relatively well and mobile, and can still
enjoy life to the full with a little extra
support. Other care homes specialise in
dementia care, while nursing homes care
for people with more complex medical
needs, and involve more medical staff.
There's currently a shortage of staff in
the care system, so if you're contemplating
a career in care, now is the perfect time
to start. Here are some available roles.
A stepping stone into a career in care
If you're wondering whether care homes could offer the right
career for you, you can do some volunteering first, to see
what's involved in the day to day. This will also look good on
your CV. Contact local care homes to enquire about volunteer
opportunities. Personal experience of caring for a relative can
also demonstrate experience and commitment, so don't forget
to mention it when applying for jobs or voluntary positions.
Care worker
The entry-level job at a care home is
usually as a care worker. This means
you'll be helping the residents manage
their everyday activities, such as getting
in and out of bed, washing and using the
toilet, and getting dressed and undressed.
You may also help them eat if necessary,
administer medication and keep them
company. The resident will be relying
on this care so, although some of it may
seem menial, it makes all the difference
to their quality of life.
What skills and qualifications do I need?
No formal qualifications are required,
although previous caring experience is
useful. You'll need good communication
skills, tact and empathy. You'll be trained
on the job and will need to gain a Care
Certificate. You can then work towards
further qualifications alongside your job.
How much can I earn? Around £18,000
to £22,000 per year, but private care
homes may pay more.
152 /// JOBS & CAREERS /// jobsandcareersmag.com
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Jobs and Careers Summer 2023

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