What is it like being a home carer?

Being a home carer can be an extremely rewarding job. Of course, it is not without its challenges, just like with any job, but hopefully, you’ll find that the good points outweigh any negatives. Let’s start with the positives.

Why being a home carer is a great job

1. You are helping people who need it

People usually enter caring professions because they are seeking a role that is rewarding and fulfilling. Being a home carer will give you plenty of both. As a home carer you play a vital role in supporting individuals who need assistance due to age, illness, or disability, enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life.

2. No two days are the same

Unlike an office job, being a home carer means you are often out and about during the day, meeting new people and taking on new responsibilities. That means no two days are the same. Often, you won’t know who your clients are until you are given your roster a few days before, so if you are the sort of person who doesn’t mind not being able to plan too far in advance then this is right up your street. 

3. It is a varied role

Being a home carer, you will find you are required to take on a number of diverse responsibilities. Duties may include assisting clients with personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming. You may also help with meal preparation, medication management, and housekeeping chores. But just as important, is the emotional support and companionship that you will be giving to clients.

4. The work is flexible

One of the notable aspects of being a home carer is the flexibility it offers. Many carers work on a shift basis, allowing them to choose schedules that suit their lifestyles. This flexibility can be especially valuable for individuals with families or other commitments. However, it also means that home carers need to be adaptable and prepared to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Some of the challenges of being a home carer

1. The emotional toll

While the job can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with emotional challenges. Home carers often form close bonds with their clients and their families. Witnessing the struggles and deterioration of health can be emotionally taxing. Home carers must develop coping mechanisms to navigate these emotional challenges effectively.

2. Training and certification

In the UK, you do not need formal qualifications to become a home carer. However, many home carers complete vocational courses or obtain diplomas in health and social care to help them further their career. College courses are available which do require formal qualifications depending on the level of certification you wish to take. 

3. Remuneration package

New home carers typically start out on salaries of around £14,000 a year. This can increase to around £25,000 a year for more experienced carers. That doesn’t mean you have to stop there. With further training and qualifications, it could be possible to enhance your salary by taking on a more managerial role or even branch out to become a freelance home carer.

Are you ready to be a home carer?

If you’re thinking about a job as a home carer, you’ll be entering a supportive and caring community. Everyday, you’ll witness the positive impact you make on your clients’ lives, which can be deeply fulfilling. While the job comes with its share of challenges, the rewards of knowing you are making a difference to the people you are working with can be priceless.

To find out about how to become a home carer, visit Safehands Recruitment, where you can search for home carer jobs and read articles about different roles as a support worker, healthcare assistant and home carer. Or get in touch with Safehands Recruitment to ask for further advice on what it is like to be a home carer in the UK.