JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 192
Types of care Formal care in the UK is split into two areas: independent or NHS-funded care provided in people's homes, and care homes. The former may include helping elderly and/or disabled people to live independently in their own homes, taking people out for social events and providing informal carers with a break. Working in a care home may involve providing care for disabled and/or elderly people, sometimes alongside qualified nurses. Homes for older people fall roughly into two categories: those providing personal care and those providing nursing care. Care (or residential) homes offer living accommodation, which includes a room, meals and help with personal care. Staff will give care during short illnesses, but don't provide full nursing care. In some homes, residents have more independence and take care of many of their own needs. Nursing homes offer all the above, with the addition of medical care from qualified nursing staff, who are on site 24 hours a day. Some offer support for people with specific health problems, such as physical disabilities, mental health problems or dementia. Some homes provide a mix of care, with a certain number of places for residents requiring personal care, for those needing nursing care and for those with dementia, for example. Care homes may be run by private businesses, non-profit organisations such as charities and housing associations, or local authorities (which mostly run residential homes rather than nursing homes). Many local authorities outsource care to non-profit organisations - only about 10% of care home places are provided directly by local authorities. Getting started A good way to find out if working in care is for you is to volunteer; this will also give you valuable experience when it comes to applying for jobs. Contact local care centres and offer your services. Personal experience of caring for a relative can also demonstrate experience and commitment. Your first position is likely to be as a care worker, or healthcare assistant, providing emotional and practical support. If you're making home visits, your duties will vary according to the client. Building up a relationship and getting to know their likes and dislikes is crucial. You'll usually be responsible for some personal care, light housework, preparing or serving meals, helping with household upkeep, and ensuring they feel listened to. If you're working in a care home, your duties may include helping guests with personal care, feeding them their meals and ensuring they're comfortable. Hours can be flexible, and there are a lot of part-time positions available, which means you can work when best suits you. You'll usually work on a rota that may include evening and weekend shifts. If you're able to prove your commitment and competence, training is often free. You can progress to become a social worker, care coordinator, care home manager or advice worker. Starting salaries are close to the national minimum wage, although you'll get more for shift work. As a care assistant you can expect to start on around £12,500 a year, but this rises significantly for jobs with more responsibility. No barriers to entry A career in care doesn't discriminate on age, qualifications or background. And although it's useful to have previous experience in a caring role, it isn't vital. Generally speaking, companies are looking Hours can be flexible and there are lots of part-time positions available for people who have a caring nature and a practical, hands-on approach. Care work can be a great option if you're looking to change career. Its flexible and can suit a range of lifestyles - for instance, if you want to fit it around your family's needs or another job. Working with the elderly may not seem like the obvious choice for a young person. 1 9 2 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S
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