Jobs and Careers Summer 2023 - 154

CARE AT HOME
Taking care
W
hen we look into
the future, most of
us hope to retain
our independence
for as long as
possible, living in our own homes, close
to family, friends and neighbours. To do
that, many people require extra support.
Remaining at home is also more
economical than moving someone to a
care home - plus there's a shortage of
care home places, so if people are enabled
to stay at home, it's a win-win all round.
The demand for home care assistants is
increasing, and will continue to do so as
the population ages. Currently, 5.4 million
Britons are over the age of 75 (according
to the Office for National Statistics), and
that's expected to rise to 13% by 2043.
The need for at-home care will increase
alongside it, putting pressure on care
services, so if you decide it's the job for
you, you'll never be out of work.
Working as a visiting care assistant is
also very flexible, as visits are needed in
the daytimes and evenings, so you can
Many older people want to stay in their own homes for as long
as possible, and home care can support them to do that
Home care assistant
As a care assistant visiting people in
their own homes, you'll be supporting
clients to remain as independent as
possible. You'll assist with personal
care, cooking and household tasks,
administer medication and also offer
emotional support. Shifts may be in
the daytime or evenings.
What skills and qualifications do I need?
No particular qualifications are required,
as training will be provided, although
any health and social care qualification
will be useful, as will previous experience
(professional or personal). A friendly,
patient and kind nature is essential. You'll
likely need a car and a driving licence.
How much can I earn? Between £11 and
£25 an hour, depending on experience.
Integrated support
worker
This role involves supporting people with
health issues in their own homes, helping
to prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
As well as providing personal support,
Working as a home care assistant is very
flexible, so you can choose the times and
number of hours that suit your lifestyle
choose the times and number of hours
that suit your lifestyle and family's needs.
You may be called upon to provide a
variety of services, including personal
care (washing, dressing and toileting),
light household tasks, shopping, serving
meals, administering medication and
offering a listening ear. This makes a real
difference to the individual's life, and is
deeply satisfying for the carer. If you love
helping people live a better life, here are
some roles you could be suited for.
you'll encourage and motivate them to
manage their nutrition and medicine,
and facilitate physical, recreational and
social activities, under the supervision of
senior practitioners, nurses and therapists.
What skills and qualifications do I need?
Ideally, a Level 2 Health & Social Care
qualification, good English and maths, six
months' experience in a client-facing role,
and basic IT and report-writing skills.
How much can I earn? Around £20,000,
increasing with experience.
154 /// JOBS & CAREERS /// jobsandcareersmag.com
Live-in carer
You'll move into a client's home for a
long or short period of time, to provide
round-the-clock assistance. You'll help
with personal care and daily activities,
including making meals and housework,
help them to continue with hobbies, and
offer companionship. You'll get your own
room, and you'll work eight to 10 hours
a day, but spread throughout the day.
What skills and qualifications do I need?
A Level 2 in Health & Social Care will
give you the training you need, and may
be provided by the employer or agency.
You'll need patience and compassion, as
your client may be confused or in poor
health. You must be prepared to put your
social life on hold for the duration.
How much can I earn? £100-£140 a day
- more for a client with specialist needs.
Care manager
A care manager oversees a team of care
assistants going into clients' homes.
You'll be recruiting and managing staff,
arranging training and rotas, and dealing
with queries and complaints. You'll also
be responsible for growing and developing
the business, and marketing the company.
What skills and qualifications do I need?
You're likely to need a Level 3 in Health
& Social Care, plus a qualification in
leadership for health and social care, and
knowledge of legislation and policies.
How much can I earn? Around £30,000,
depending on the size of the team.
Find out more
* Community Care
communitycare.co.uk
* Home Care
homecare.co.uk
* Homecare Association
homecareassociation.org.uk
http://communitycare.co.uk http://homecare.co.uk https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/ http://jobsandcareersmag.com
Jobs and Careers Summer 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Summer 2023
