To take a care home job

[scotsllb]

I have been looking for full time work and there are a large amount of care positions advertised.
I have done a similar role before years ago and enjoyed it and have an interview next week for a position.
My family are annoyed at me as I am a single mum and they are worried I will catch covid and they may be needed to provide childcare etc if I get ill or anything.
They think I should wait until something else less risky comes along and not take a job that deliberately puts me a bigger risk of catching it.
AIBU to take the job if offered? I feel quite conflicted about it all now

[LongLiveTheQueenBee]

I work in a care home ... We wear PPE, we constantly wash hands and use anti bac gel. We have all (staff and residents) been tested for covid and will be retested after 2 weeks. We have no visitors the only people allowed in and out are staff and nurses and hopefully any staff with symptoms wouldnt come in and nurses put PPE on at the door to protect us all.
I feel quite safe working there, I'm more likely to catch covid at the supermarket!!

Ask the care home what precautions they have in place and if they have had any cases. How they managed it, etc.

[scotsllb]

That sounds reassuring thanks 😊 and that's true I feel there must be more chances of catching it when your out about in shops etc without any PPE etc

[Floatyboat]

If you're under 50 and not at high risk due to health problem then you shouldn't worry.

[M0mmyneedswine]

I work in care and feel safer at work than out with the public who dont take the same precautions as us

[Carolebaskins]

I also work in a care home, on the front desk. I agree with @LongLiveTheQueenBee there are strict protocols in place, PPE and testing.

[BirdieFriendReturns]

It’s not the sort of job I could do - I really admire anybody who can work as a care assistant.

[Cornishmumofone]

How old are your children? Who will care for them whilst you are working? If you will need to rely on family members then they may not want to be but at (low) risk.

[scotsllb]

One is 13 and the 2 year old will be at is childminder which reopens next week

[Terralee]

Go for it!! It can be very challenging but rewarding.
I'm an HCA in a hospital but have worked in a care home.
It was nice getting to know all the residents.
Some were real characters, some lovely, some not so pleasant, all different.
I found it hard work but quite interesting!

[WaterOffADucksCrack]

Ask about PPE at interview.

Any decent care home will have always been using gloves and aprons as standard anyway so check they have masks which should be worn all the time. Check if visors, goggles and overalls are at the ready in the event of an outbreak.

Check how often staff are getting tested. Check if residents have been tested.

It should also be standard in any decent care home pre covid to arrive in your own clothes, change into uniform on site and go home in your own clothes. This should have been standard dress code policy wayyyyy before covid, it's basic infection control.