Talk to me about carers!

[wheresshegone]

Hello everyone.

I'm a single parent to a 17 month old little girl. She's due to start nursery after Easter next year and I'm looking to start health and social care course at college in September. Im not in work at the moment since having DD but have always worked since I was 16.

I'd love to work in an elderly care home but have zero experience at all. Obviously I'll learn at college but if anyone has any insight or tips I'd be really grateful.

Also I'd love to hear from those of you who work with the elderly to see what it's like

Anyone? Hopeful bump

@wheresshegone in all honesty ? Horrendous ! It takes a VERY strong person with a strong stomach to work in a care home, especially with dementia patients... don't get me wrong spending time with the elderly is lovely, they tell such great story's and love the company but the other side of it isn't great especially for the pay!

But youll always have a job

It's hard work but you really don't need experience as you can train on the job so to speak, you can work towards your health and social care whilst in work which a lot of care companies seem to offer.

Shifts are long and can be mentally draining.

It's not for the faint hearted. Good luck x

I forgot to add ... the pay is crap!

I'm a carer, have been for nine years now.

I work in the community rather than in a residential home. I'm extremely lucky because my employer is wonderful, I'm not forced to visit anyone that I don't want to or forced to work long hours. I'm given full training and lots of support.

It can be very demanding and challenging though.

Following with interest as I'm starting a job as a home carer very soon.

Training is in two weeks then shadow shifts for a while and I'm on my own. I'm actually pretty nervous about it.

As someone whose family just wouldn’t function without carers in the home, I just want you to know how much you are appreciated.

Whilst it's a hugely pressured job, DGM loves it when her carers take time to talk to her, and when they do something "special" for her, even if it's only little, e.g. one of the carers would cut her sandwiches into shapes (stars because she's a star) to make her tea more interesting.

NewName, it's very rewarding, not like a job at all. Sometimes I get to take clients out for coffee and cake and I can't believe I get paid for that. 😊

It’s a tiring, mentally difficult but also rewarding, low paid, wonderful job. I only managed a few days working in a home though as I’m not good with night shifts. I work out in the community and love it completely. There is a lot of tea and cake involved! I’d recommend that if you drive.

@BillywigSting I did reply to your thread in case you didn’t see

@CaptainHammer you did, I don't think I ever did thank you for that so I'll say it now, thanks!

Can you cope with poo? If no, then care work is not for you! I think a lot of people think care work is making cups of tea for sweet little old ladies. I work in Domiciliary care and absolutely love it. Every visit is different, every customer is different. My customers range from people who just need a little reassurance that they can cope at home to those who are entering palliative care to those with dementia who like to hide poo in random places. It helps to have a slightly warped sense of humour. I support my customers but also their families. It's a very rewarding job but sometimes thankless and emotional.

Thank you everyone for your replies.

It's something I'm really determined to do. I just love being able to help people whether that be a lending ear or physical help.

I'm good with poo! (Never thought I'd have to say that in my life 😂) I have a DD who has IBS & allergies which make her tummy very sore and I'm always at the cleaning end

I only could do the hours DD is in nursery as I have zero help and no one around me. How likely is it that I could get a job in a care home for 2 days a week?

I really would love to do more but I can't put my DD in nursery 5 days a week that's not fair she's only tiny and I'm all she's ever know. X

Good for you. We’ve encountered several careers with df and i can tell you as a family member you are much appreciated! look into “private” care too as it can be more flexible x