Working with Children or the Elderly?

[Chuggachuggatoottoot]

Hi, I'm trying to decide on a new line of work part-time and I was wondering if anyone could shed any light on the above and which you prefer/recommend?
Obviously I am aware they are low paid but that isn't an issue for me. Thanks

What do you mean they are low paid?

Surely it depends what job you do

I did RMNH training at a local hospital years ago and i had the choice of either v.young or v.old to specialize in. I chose v. old.I seemed to have an affinity with dappy old ladies
My aim back then was to get the essential qualifications then progress to becoming manager of a home or unit for that client group.
Life changed for me so i segued into occupational therapy for the same client group. And i loved it.

I've been a teacher (all age groups as SEN) & a carer for elderly folk. Hands down i preferred the care work.

Wage wise depends on the role. A friend works within a foster home for children & there is far more money available within the child sector than the adult sector. But money doesn't equal enjoyment & i wouldn't be able to do her job

Care worker or child care practitioner

I work with older people and I love it. I couldn't work with children, at all! I'm not very keen on other people's

Kids because I'd form bonds with the elderly and be gutted when they die.

MyYoniFromHull it made me grin reading that...i constantly say i don't like other people's children much 😂 people look at me like i'm an utter bitch! I don't like my own 100% of the time so stands to reason haha

I've worked both ends of the spectrum and honestly I loved working with the elderly. Right now I'm working with children and they certainly keep you on your toes but I know one day I will revert back and work with the elderly 

Interesting responses thank you

@Chuggachuggatoottoot which way are you swaying ?

Elderly

Have you been watching boss baby series 2 by any chance? A similar storyline dc was watching

I work with the elderly. I love it. Most of the time. However I did spend most of Sunday in tears after we lost a resident. There are far too many heartbreaking moments.

I'm actually really scared to take the plunge because I've never done it before, not in an employment setting anyway.

I am a qualified nursery nurse I work with children with complex care needs, many of the children we look after require non-invasive ventilation so for the parents it is virtually impossible to find any form of childcare, the children also require high levels of care 24 hours a day. We go in and give families some time to concentrate on being 'normal'. our service means that siblings get a chance to go to cubs/scouts/brownies/football/swimming, all those things lots of families take for granted that our families can't do. Our service also allows mum/dad/carer to have time for themselves without worrying about their poorly child. My role as a nursery nurse is vary different to the role I trained for but I absolutely love it.

I don't know if you've thought about working hours, or whether it matters to you, but you are much more likely to need to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays caring for the elderly rather than young children.

It depends on the actual job obviously, as demonstrated by the previous poster.

Yes that is something to factor and does make things difficult as I've young children.

Worked in a day centre young adults complex health needs. Absolutely loved it but poor pay. Did one shift in a dementia ward and never went back, wasn't for me. Feed, clean and sleep until they died. Couldn't see how they had any quality of life just waiting to die. The day centre though is amazing, the service users are taken out every day and it's a happy place to be. Worked in children's homes, very rewarding but pay is awful for the work you do. Atleast at the day centre the hours were child friendly no shifts or sleep overs

Older people every time.

Remember that if you work with children then you are also working with their families. This can be very challenging.

I love the chats you can have with older people. They make me laugh. Just choose your group carefully as not everyone is cut out for working with people with advanced dementia or complex physical nursing needs and you might prefer working with individuals who have fewer needs.

If anyone else works with the elderly or with children please share your experiences thank you