When it comes to a career within the care industry, there are many types of roles to fill; caring for the disabled, caring for children, caring for the elderly – and within different environments; at a care home, in a hospice or hospital, or at the client’s home. But there’s one thing that all professional carers share, and that’s the enormous amount of dedication and passion needed to carry out such demanding, yet rewarding work.
For care workers who look after elderly clients within their own homes, the work is incredibly varied and tailored to each individual client. Some care workers provide round-the-clock care, while other clients just need someone to pop in to prepare dinner. Those who work in the care industry will often say that one of the things they love about their profession is that every day is different, however, here is what a ‘typical’ day might look like for one of our highly skilled care workers.
Early Starts
It goes without saying that care work isn’t for those who enjoy laying in bed all morning! If you have a client who lives with a condition such as arthritis or other mobility-limiting condition, then it could be that your first port of call is helping someone out of bed. Morning activities that care workers often have to help with are bathing and dressing, and generally preparing the client for their day ahead – maybe helping to wash or brush their hair, or applying make-up putting on their jewellery. Providing these services are vital in helping an older person who may struggle with such tasks look and feel good and ready to start their day.
Breakfast Time
It could be that help in getting up and dressed is all a client requires, and as a care worker you might then find yourself heading to your next job. Or, you could find yourself helping to prepare breakfast and catching up with a coffee and a chat! At Care In Kent companionship is at the heart of what we do, and we pride ourselves on our ability to provide a comprehensive service that includes not just the practical side of things, but also helping to fulfil the clients emotional and social needs as well. Many of our clients appreciate having someone to talk to on a regular basis, especially if they have no family or friends living nearby.
Household Tasks
When you are caring for an elderly person in their own home, you’re pretty much going to be following the same routine you would yourself, and so next up is – housework. A client may need you to assist with light cleaning and tidying, maybe running a vacuum round, making the bed, or washing the dishes. These everyday tasks can be a struggle for someone who might be unsteady on their feet, or unable to stand for prolonged periods of time, and having someone take care of those tasks for them can make a huge difference to their day.
Time For Lunch
Some older people might find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle; perhaps they find it difficult to get to a supermarket to buy fresh ingredients, or perhaps they struggle with cooking meals because of mobility issues. It could be that these are things that their partner took care of, but they have now passed. Part of a carer’s day can involve preparing healthy meals for their clients, as well as helping out with the shopping. These tasks play an important part in making sure that an older person is getting adequate nutrition and staying as healthy as possible.
Out And About
As a carer you’ll often find yourself helping clients with activities outside of the house, such as accompanying them on a short walk, or assisting with a trip to the post office. There may be clients who don’t feel confident making these journeys alone, and having a companion with them can boost their confidence. These outdoor journeys, however short, play an important part in maintaining and boosting mental health thanks to the ‘happy hormones’ released during physical activity. For many elderly people, a walk to the local shop with a care worker may be their only form of exercise, or their only opportunity to get out into the local community. These things are important in preventing an older person from feeling isolated from society, as well as still feeling that they are a part of the world around them.
At The End Of The Day
Helping with dinner is another way in which we can assist in making sure that an elderly person is eating regularly and well, and cooking an evening meal and clearing away afterwards is a common task a care worker might undertake. Evening tasks can also include reminding or helping a client to take any medications, or helping them to bathe or use the toilet. Evenings can be lonely or maybe even frightening for some older people, and so having someone help them get ready for bed, maybe help set security alarms or lock doors and windows can be very reassuring.
Care workers are among the hardest working professionals; working long hours with early starts – but this vocation comes with the huge reward of knowing that you are really making a difference to someone’s day. Our dedicated team of carers work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the very best care and support. If you yourself, or someone you know, could benefit from a visit from a member of our team, or if you would like more information on a rewarding career as a carer, please get in touch.