Find out information about a care worker’s responsibilities, qualifications, the role of a care worker and most importantly how to become a care worker with us
How does NR Care compare to other care companies?
We put together people-centred care plans, which are updated regularly. We need to be good in order to be competitive. This ethos has led to us winning multiple awards.
What would my daily responsibilities include as a care worker?
Personal care is one of the largest responsibilities alongside meal preparation, which is provided in all visits. Administering medicines is also a large part of the job. Other responsibilities can include shopping calls, where the care worker will take the client to the local supermarket to do their weekly shopping, and sitting with a client whilst their husband or wife goes out for a break.
Washing and feeding people means we have to provide a service whereby we physically work with clients. However, it’s not just a case of doing things for them. You have to work with them to give them a choice, making them feel that they are able to live the life they want to lead. We do not simply come in and take over. The role is giving our clients choice and making sure that they are as independent as possible.
It can be the case that there are different things to do each time you arrive. There could be letters that need to be opened, which your client needs help reading, or they could have had problems with their family and may want to talk over their issues.
In short, we assist people with their day to day living in their own homes. This can include everything from tiding up and ensuring that the kitchen is clean to reading them the paper. You have to be aware and use your common sense to help out where you are most needed.
What is the most rewarding part of a care worker’s day?
The greatest joy comes when people are made to feel safe and happy, by ensuring they are looked after properly. It makes for a good feeling when you can come home and say that you’ve made a difference to the clients’ lives. Sometimes you are the only outside contact that these people receive, and they look forward to meal times and your visits and you can see the difference you make to their lives. It is genuine appreciation. When clients see you walk into the room, you can see how happy they are – this is a big part of the role and makes the job all the more worthwhile.
Are there times when people don’t wish to receive care?
Of course, with gentle encouragement many clients can do a variety of things. It can often be a case of approaching clients from a different angle – sometimes just talking to them can help them open up. Making light of the situation or having a chat about life in general can lift their spirits and change their minds, which can have better results than asking them directly why they don’t want to do something.
If someone does not want to do something we do not make them do it. After all, you are working for them in their home and it is their life, so ultimately we let them decide. However, when it is something vital, such as medication, we take the time to talk to them about why it is important.
How do you understand when to stop encouraging people to do something?
It is something you learn during the job. You develop the skill to quickly pick up on the little things, allowing you to evaluate when there is a genuine problem. Over time you can judge a client’s genuine ability and this allows you to give the right level of assistance and help them be more active. This makes them feel independent and involved.
Will I always follow the same routine with clients?
No, when you arrive at their residence you will need to often play it by ear. Sometimes you’ll sit down and have a cup of tea and a chat before doing anything. It is a case of doing what’s needed most, which can be anything from simply listening to a client’s problems, through to cleaning and tidying up. You have to take the time to get to know people and understand them, which helps you provide the correct standard of care.
You’ll need to deal with the situation in our client’s houses from the moment you arrive. This can be anything from delivering a friendly greeting through to quickly attending to clients that may have been hurt and injured. You have to deal with whatever situation confronts you, alert and ready to read people – for instance you must notice if they are poorly or pale. No one day is the same with NR Care.