what is a care assistant?
As a care assistant, you are a caregiver who supports patients or clients with various health problems. Your primary role is to assist disabled, elderly or ill patients with practical tasks they cannot manage because of the limitations of their condition. You help them live independently and support their daily activities. Your duties can include personal care, such as assisting them with grooming and using the bathroom. You also perform other activities like paying bills and helping with financial planning.
The role is diverse, and care assistants perform their duties depending on the clients' personalities, requirements and interests. For instance, if your clients enjoy outdoor activities, you accompany them to do their shopping and take them to outdoor events in the community. As well as performing your duties, you provide emotional support and keep them company.
A care assistant works in various environments providing patient care, and the roles differ depending on the work environment. For instance, a live-in care assistant works overnight in the client's home and offers round-the-clock assistance. You can also work in care homes or hospitals to support your clients.
As a care assistant, you should be adaptable to change due to the wide variety of tasks. You also need the tact to avoid causing discomfort when performing your duties.
Would working as a care assistant suit your patience and compassionate nature? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a care assistant role.
care assistant jobsaverage care assistant salary
According to National Careers, the salary of a care assistant ranges from £13,500 to £25,000 per year. The average pay for a care assistant is usually £8.50 or £9.50 per hour, which means you can take home between £16,000 and £18,000 a year. Entry-level care assistants earn as little as £13,500 per year in some private care homes or when working for private clients. If you work in an NHS-run care home, your starting salary is £18,000 annually. That's because the NHS pays a Band 2 salary to care assistants, starting at £18,005 per year.
how to boost your care assistant salary
You need to improve your qualifications and experience to earn more as a care assistant. Your income will improve as you gain experience in diverse care settings and various situations. It would be best to weigh your options between working for the NHS and private care homes. While the NHS has a higher compensation package for an entry-level position, the salary increases more slowly than in private institutions that can pay over £25,000 per year. Choosing a prime location also boosts your salary prospects. For instance, working in large cities like London guarantees a higher salary.
types of care assistants
Some types of care assistants include:
- healthcare assistants: as a healthcare assistant, you care for your patients in a hospital setting or private homes. Your job involves administering medication and helping your clients follow treatment plans. You are also trained in first aid to assist your patients during emergencies.
- senior care assistants: as a senior care assistant, you work in residential care or private homes. Your job is to assist the elderly with personal care tasks and help them manage their daily activities.
- emergency care assistants: as an emergency care assistant, you accompany paramedics on an ambulance to provide support. Your job is to assist the patient in calming down and providing emotional support.
working as a care assistant
As a care assistant, you help your clients lead independent lives by supporting them with various activities. Read on to learn about a care assistant's daily activities and career prospects.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the duties of a care assistant include:
- assisting with personal care: as a care assistant, you support your client with personal care routines, whether in a care home or private residence. You help them use the toilet, commodes and catheter bags. You also assist them with getting dressed and preparing for events.
- dietary support: as a care assistant, you ensure your client eats a healthy diet. If your patient has difficulty eating, you can support them and ensure they eat the right portions. If you are a live-in care assistant, your job involves preparing and serving meals for your clients.
- doing shopping: care assistants run errands for their clients, including household shopping. You can accompany your clients or complete the tasks alone and provide receipts. It is important to assist your client with financial management and help them save money on their household budget.
- assisting with mobility: when your client has mobility problems, you provide support for them to move. That often involves using a hoist or other aides to help them stand. You also need to help them with tasks that require physical activity or movement.
- record-keeping: as a care assistant, you must write daily reports on your client's activities and update medication changes. Record keeping is vital if you rotate shifts with other carers. They can easily follow your client's care plan, minimising discomfort to the client.
- administering medication: it is your job to ensure your client takes medication on time. You keep a medication chart and administer tablets as outlined in their care plan. When your client needs to see a doctor, you can book an appointment and accompany them to the hospital.
- organising outdoor activities: your client needs to participate in outdoor activities. You can organise some activities to help them stay in touch with their community. You accompany them to the events to provide support and handle any emergencies.
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work environment
As a care assistant, you work in diverse environments. For instance, you can work in hospital settings. When you work in hospitals or care homes, you spend most of the day in patients' hospital rooms to offer support. In medical settings, you spend a lot of time indoors, unlike in care homes which usually organise outdoor activities for patients. You may have to wear a uniform in hospitals and care home settings. Live-in care assistants work at the client's place of residence full-time, especially if the patient needs extra care and attention. Working as a care assistant may involve minimal travelling while running errands or attending hospital appointments with clients. As a care assistant, you cannot work from home since you have to provide physical assistance to clients.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in a private residence, care home or hospital, your colleagues might include nursing associates, family support workers and social workers. You might also be working in close proximity to deputy care home managers and physiotherapists, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, palliative care nurses, emergency dispatchers, pharmacist, paramedics and doctors.
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work schedule
A care assistant works an average of 35 to 40 hours weekly in hospital and care home settings. Most employers operate shift schedules. That means you can work early mornings or night shifts. When you are a live-in care assistant, you provide care 24/7 since you spend all your time with the client. Some employers may give you days off or allow you to work part-time on some days, depending on the patient's condition. When the patient requires extra care, you may rotate shifts with another care worker to avoid burnout. Most care assistants work full-time, but some employers provide part-time jobs.
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job outlook
As a care assistant, you have multiple opportunities for career progression. For instance, you can improve your qualifications and become a registered nurse or become a care home manager when you have adequate experience. Some care assistants specialise in providing specific care. If you want to specialise, some options include palliative, disability, and mental health care.
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advantages of finding a care assistant job through randstad
Finding your care assistant job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a care assistant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
care assistant education and skills
There is no specific educational qualification for becoming a care assistant. Some employers ask for GCSEs only, but joining the workforce with post-secondary qualifications is beneficial. Some of the education paths include:
- college course: complete a Level 1 Certificate in health and social care to become a care assistant. Alternatively, complete a Level 2 Diploma in care. Both courses require at least two GCSEs in grades 9 to 3.
- apprenticeships: some apprenticeships like adult care worker intermediate and advanced apprenticeships prepare you for the job market. You will learn on the job as you gain qualifications from a training provider.
care assistant skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a care assistant include:
- caring: as a care assistant, you must show your client compassion. As well as administering medication, you need to interact with them and listen to their concerns. Many patients feel isolated during treatment, and it is important to be conscientious about delivering the best care.
- respect: a care assistant cares for people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. You are expected to treat all behavioural, cultural and religious differences with respect. Being respectful makes patients more comfortable.
- friendliness: as a care assistant, you must be open and approachable to build a rapport with your clients. Some clients may be withdrawn, and being friendly and approachable can make them feel safer in your presence.
- flexibility: care work is a varied job that changes constantly. You must be flexible to take the changes in your stride and still provide the best services. Good time management skills are very important.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a care assistant
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what is the role of a care assistant?
A care assistant assists patients with daily tasks to help them become more independent. Their role may include personal care and managing medications for the patient.
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is working as a care assistant hard?
Working as a care assistant is challenging since you work with clients with various health and physical conditions. You need to be emotionally resilient to carry out your duties.
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what qualifications does a care assistant need?
While you don't need formal qualifications, a Level 2 Diploma in health and social care can improve your career prospects.
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how much are care assistants paid in the UK?
Care assistants earn an average salary of £13,500 annually in entry-level positions, while experienced care assistants earn over £25,000 annually.
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what is the difference between a nurse and a care assistant?
A nurse provides medical care to patients in a hospital setting, while a care assistant focuses on providing personal care to patients.
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how do I apply for a care assistant vacancy?
Applying for a care assistant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our care assistant job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
