Care assistants

[sumofparts]

Hi,
I'm thinking of changing career to go into a caring profession.
I'm not entirely sure what yet but I very much like the idea of working with the elderly and I see there are lots of roles advertised for care assistants working in client's homes.
Can anyone give me an insight into what these jobs are like and what the pitfalls might be?
It seems like they are quite keen to get people in as they offer a lot; dbs, uniform, training etc is this because the staff turnover is really high? And if so is it because of poor working conditions, over work, etc.
Also do you think this experience is a good grounding to train and further a career in care?
Thanks very much in advance if anyone can give me the lowdown!

PM sent. Emotionally/mentally draining is my normal

PM sent x

I have experience of both sides, I used to be a carer and I found it challenging at times but also very rewarding. It is one of those jobs that you either love it or hate it, no in between.
Now due to illness I have carers myself, you need to be a caring person (stands to reason) but you need to have empathy. One valuable piece of advice I can give you is realise that it takes a lot for a person to accept they need carers, especially younger clients. I have had some amazing carers but also some that clearly do not want to do it and make you feel like an inconvenience.
Most care companies have a high turnover of staff because it can be very demanding, what I get from the girls that care for me is the main issue they have is they don’t get travelling time which is hard for both carer and client although they do get a mileage allowance. There was a very informative documentary by dispatches on channel 4 I would suggest watching, it was a real eye opener.
I wish you all the best in whatever career you decide.

I have recently taken a role doing community care work. As pp have said it is exceptionally poorly paid and the way the hours are planned are awful! But I think at least in my case it is because the girl who does it has no experience of resource planning (my previous life).

The company I work for prides itself on service users only ever seeing 3 different carers which looking around seems fairly unique. I see 6 clients with a 7th on occasion when cover is needed. Only 2 require personal care on an intimate level and honestly most of what I do is act as a companion. Tea and talking. But that is on the minority of most of the firms.

If you want regular hours then I would suggest looking at a care home. The community hours are appalling. I often start at 730am and don't finish til 10pm and then back at 730 the following morning. I actually quite enjoy the job the hours however are atrocious and the reason I will be leaving as soon as I can