I'm a senior care assistant, do it part time but FTE is 26k which I know is better than other seniors are on. However it's not the wage that's the issue, it's the shifts.
I am expected to pop and distribute tablets for 35 people on my own now, which is ridiculous, zero help with it. I get to work almost 30 mins early to start preparing medication because I just won't get it done otherwise.
There are constant interruptions too, some carers who don't understand that medication is the priority saying 'can you just do this for a second' etc.
I do say that I'm doing the medication but sometimes we're so stretched for staff that I haven't got a choice.
I never get a break, I quickly eat some food whilst I'm doing paperwork, don't get to the toilet for hours.
I often don't get out on time, if there are incidents I have to fill out various paperwork that I don't have time to do on the shift.
I help the care assistants too where I can because we're short staffed. Absolutely zero time to sit and chat to residents or do activities with them, it's such a shame.
I could be a care assistant instead but I can't afford to live on the salary.
I do like the job, but the workload is ridiculous. I have applied for other things, however wondering if it'll just be the same in other jobs?