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Elderly parents
Original poster

Carer hygiene and professional standards

55 replies

Dormit · 22/08/2026 09:22

Should carers have a uniform, or at least wear appropriate clothing for care work in a client’s home? Are very long false nails acceptable for care work when there is food prep and manual handling?

Would you be happy if carers turned up in leggings and a crop top displaying a multitude of tattoos, had 1.5inch false nails and don’t think washing their hands is necessary?

Would you expect a meal to be presented nicely instead of slapped on a plate like they’re serving in a roadside greasy spoon? Whole tin of salmon mashed between two slices of unbuttered bread anyone? No drink, no napkin, no tray, no fruit, no crisps, no anything that the client usually has.

Then buggering off after 15 minutes instead of staying for the 30 minutes they are paid for.

These are the least of the issues to be honest and it’s all being investigated but yesterday’s experience was a new low.

I’ve been told my standards are too high by expecting them to wash their hands and do what they are paid to do. Im
ending up spending about 3 hours a week fixing their mistakes.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dormit · 22/08/2026 09:48

I’m tempted to install a camera in the kitchen but mum wouldn’t hear of it.
We have been through handwashing so many times. I’ve made a formal complaint and complained every time something has warranted it as requested by the manager. We’ve had meetings with the social worker and care agency and nothing changes. There’s a new manager now and things might change but I’m not very optimistic.
Mum hates it but I’m having to put post-it notes in various places to remind the carers what to do. There’s a couple of excellent ones but most are lacking any basic hygiene or common sense. Mum hates needing carers so it adds to her upset. Things like glasses and mugs not being washed properly so I get me out of the cupboard and have to rewash it. They’ve had to be told to use hot soapy water to wash up because they were just rinsing things under the tap. The commode is emptied but not cleaned.

I’m not too fussed on clothing but so think that elderly clients will be more likely to expect carers to dress appropriately and carry ID or at least a name badge. A lot have names that are unfamiliar to mum so seeing them written down would help her. Her hearing isn’t what it was and anyone with an accent she struggles to understand.

OP posts:
Meadowfinch · 22/08/2026 09:38

What they wear is irrelevant as are tattoos and fingernails.

Washing their hands and staying the allotted time are not optional though.
Presentation of food is subjective. Have you provided a pack of serviettes and asked the carer to add one to the tray?

StressedOutPeanut · 22/08/2026 09:35

They should be sacked, washing hands is vital going from client to client. Giving inedible food is unacceptable.

DontGoChasinWaterfalls · 22/08/2026 09:33

This is unacceptable. I work as a carer in my second job, and the standards you’ve described are not what I would expect from professional care.
We wear uniform, and even during very warm weather when cooler clothing was permitted, we were still expected to look smart and professional.
Hands should be washed as soon as you enter the client’s property. Gloves should be worn where appropriate and changed between personal care and food preparation.
If a client asks for a sandwich, it should be prepared properly and presented nicely, cut into manageable pieces if needed. If they don’t want it straight away, it should be covered appropriately rather than simply left out.
Staying for only 15 minutes when a longer visit has been commissioned is also unacceptable unless there is a genuine reason. We use an app to check in and out, so management and families can see exactly how long visits last.
I would definitely raise a formal complaint. I would also consider installing a camera if appropriate, as I’m increasingly seeing families use them to make sure vulnerable relatives are receiving the standard of care they should.

Sparrowsandbudgies · 22/08/2026 09:32

Couldn’t care less what they wear but washing hands and basic hygiene is a must and the whole food prep thing needs to be better. (My Mum had carers 4 times a day).