Any care workers here?

[Fneep]

Thinking of applying to an agency that sends people to give care in their own homes.

Can anyone tell me what to expect?

Do you help people get dressed, get meals etc? Showers/baths?
I'm not squeamish about cleaning bottoms, think I fit the bill for being kind and wanting to make a difference.
Would the training teach me what I need to know? I assume I wouldn't be thrown in at the deep end.
Most of the ads say hours are flexible. Do you find this to be true?
How fit Do you need to be? I assume you're on your feet a lot.
Thank you :)

Yes to all of them except the flexibility will be expected mostly from your side. If you accept the job be firm on the hours you want to do and don’t say yes to overtime unless you want it. Once you say yes they will keep contacting you for more.
Regarding been thrown in the deep end, you will probably shadow someone for a week or two and then be given easy and gradually more difficult visits.
Make sure you are offered manual handling courses, you do need to be fit but I think looking after your back is the big thing to be aware of.
I really enjoyed my time working as a care assistant in the community and in a care home (the community more so).

One thing you'll be expected to do is to take people to the toilet, help them with wiping/cleaning/pulling up or down their clothes. You get used to it!

There will be mandatory training - much of it is done online nowadays, apart from the hoist and manual handling training, which is hands-on and done in a group.

Shifts are usually something like 7am until 1 or 2pm, then 3 or 4pm until about 9 or 10.

You usually only get paid for the actual time you're at someone's home, so the travelling in between clients isn't always paid for. Mileage is uaually 25p-40p per mile.

I did commounity care work for 22 years, loved it but hated the way the agencies (I worked for several) used to constantly ring, asking me to do more shifts. The double shifts were hard, too.

Thank you. Very helpful.
What do you mean my double shifts @Lynne1Cat?

I frequently worked 7am - 1.30 or 2pm, then back again at 4pm - 9.30, 10pm. It used to be too much.

@Lynne1Cat

I frequently worked 7am - 1.30 or 2pm, then back again at 4pm - 9.30, 10pm. It used to be too much.

Gosh yes, that's a very long day! I'm looking at part time, so I'd hope only to do mornings or evenings, not both.

I used to do 2 evenings (7-10) and Saturday mornings. Then when my youngest started school
I did Tuesday and Thursdays (8.45-2ish) and every other Saturday evening.

I work 7.45am until 2.45pm on a 2 week rota. 3 days the first week and 4 days the second week. I work every second weekend. The full time people have same 2 week rota but also work evenings. I think they get a half hour break.

I started in July with no previous experience and it has been good. They have started me off with the easier jobs and I have progressed on to some jobs that require 2 people because there are hoists.

There was 3 days of training and lots of online training before I started. I only had 2 shadow shifts then got thrown into it feeling really nervous but it was the best way to learn.

I have an app on my phone that is used for clocking in and out of jobs. The clients care plan is there and all tasks I am expected to do when I am there is also on the app.

If it is ok for you financially then I recommend trying it.

it is well needed. they are crying out for carers
i gave up after almost 3 years, i was losing my patience
take the managers and other staff with a pinch of staff, they can be very bitchy from experience.
i was often asked for over time

pinch of salt

the worst was trying to find houses in the dark,
also when there was a lack of clients, you had time to kill, i worked 4 pm til 10 pm and even persuaded my dd to do it and in turn all her friends decided to and now one has a made a career in that line of work

Just stick to the times you've agreed to work. They will want you to do more, but you have to be firm and say no.

Also, they usually ask that you work every other weekend. All agencies seem to do that.

and christmas, the work doesnt stop just because it is christmas

Thanks again. I think I will apply. Happy to do Christmas shifts and I will be clear about what I can and can't do.
I'm relieved to hear about shadowing and training.
I will bear in mind your comments @MrsLargeEmbodied

I worked as a Care worker for 5 years until January this year. I did 2 days of training then shadowed other care workers for 2 weeks. The first week of shadowing nearly made me quit as I really wasn't sure it was for me and shadowed in very difficult calls. I stuck it out though and actually really loved doing care. I left as I wanted my weekends and bank holidays back as my kids are getting older and wanted to spend more time with them.

Care companies really vary. They're desperate for staff so not fussy. You'll meet brilliant carers and those you wouldn't leave a dog with. Set your boundaries from the start. As a previous poster said, if doing over time doesn't suit you then say no from the start. I used to say that to all the people who shadowed me and they never listened!

Make sure you're given enough travel time. Check your rota and speak up if you don't. There's nothing worse than only being given 5 minutes to do a 20 minute journey especially when you're new and you'll be slow. I think a lot of companies use apps now so you can see your run and look at care plans prior to going. Previous care notes are great to get an idea about your clients.

I'd recommend going for a company that does a minimum of half hour visits. Training should cover manual handling, medication, etc. I was sent out without a clue how to change catheter bags or that things like rectal prolapses were a thing.

It's daunting, stressful, emotional and bloody hard work but it's one of the most rewarding jobs I've ever done. I've met the most amazing people, laughed, cried and held their hands as they've passed away. It takes a special kind of person to be a care worker but I'd highly recommend it. Good luck.