Working with the elderly can be a rewarding yet challenging job
. There are a range of job roles within elderly care, but most require staff to be compassionate and able to perform their job properly.
For some care worker jobs it is also necessary to possess medical knowledge and the level of responsibility with each role often depends on having such knowledge.
The main role of an elderly care worker is to provide service users with a safe environment whilst also addressing their medical and any emotional needs. No two patients will require the same type of care and each should have a specifically designed care plan tailored to their medical conditions and their needs. It is the responsibility of the care worker to know all of the information included in the tailored plans.
You may wish to work as a carer providing home care to the elderly. The type of tasks carers usually help with are cooking and cleaning and helping with the older persons person care like washing and using the toilet. Other roles may include driving or helping the person get around.
Medical knowledge may still be needed, especially if medical tasks such as giving injections or changing a catheter need to be done regularly. However, this does not apply to all clients as some may just want a carer to help with shopping, banking and paying bills.
If you are employed by a residential home care agency it is likely your role will be to provide day to day support to colleagues and residents. The type of jobs carried out could be similar to those of a live in carer but you will be required to undergo mandatory training which includes Health and Safety, first aid, fire awareness and fire safety.
Other compulsory training courses will cover the moving and handling of clients, food hygiene and the protection of vulnerable adults.