Care work is as varied and unique as those we care for. As a result, there are a variety of avenues you can choose to go down should you wish to work in care! Take a look at just some of the kinds of settings you might want to work in below.
Domiciliary care staff support individuals in their homes with various household tasks, personal care, and more. You could be supporting individuals with learning difficulties, mental health problems, sensory impairment, or physical disabilities. You will usually visit individuals on your own or with another member of staff - dependent on the individual's needs. Many companies will require members of staff to drive and have access to a car.
In a residential care home, individuals usually live in single rooms and have access to on-site care services. These social care jobs provide personal care and assistance with daily tasks while still maintaining the patient's independence. Some homes treat needs such as dementia, terminal illnesses, or learning disabilities, and as such, each residential care home may function differently.
A nursing home is a place for people who don't need to be in a hospital but can't be cared for at home. Nursing homes have skilled nurses on hand, and staff provide medical care as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Some homes have dedicated units for patients with Alzheimer's, and many homes let couples live together. Nursing homes are suitable for anyone who requires 24-hour care, regardless of age.
A day centre can be managed privately, by the council, or by the NHS, and they aim to prevent social isolation. Social care workers in day centres provide many services, including meals and activities, respite services, and help with personal care.
Rehabilitation centres support individuals who need to live independently in the community. Social care workers that choose an adult social care job in a rehabilitation centre could be helping patients recovering from illness, or struggling with drug or alcohol dependence. These programmes are usually offered in a residential setting.
Shared Lives schemes support adults that struggle to live independently. The schemes match someone with an approved carer, who will share their family and community life and offer care and support when needed. Some patients move in with their carers, while others are regular daytime visitors. Some combine daytime and overnight visits - dependent on the individual's needs and preferences.
Social care workers provide varying levels of support, from 1-hour to 24-hour care, to help individuals remain in the community. The type of work may include assistance with daily tasks, supporting people to attend work/college, or engage in the community. Patients needing support may have high levels of independence but require support with managing emotions, relationships, or personal care.
As part of the development of recruitment around the care sector in Kent - Kent Care Professionals have a number of roles live and readily available now. Please click here to search for those roles and apply for your next step in social care in Kent.
