Thinking about a career in care? Wonder what it would be like? Our team can give you an insight into their role.
A day in the life of a Care Manager can be busy and very challenging at times, care work is especially hard, the hours can be long and tiring. You must be highly organised as no two days are the same, you need to be able to prioritise your workload in order to get tasks done in a timely manner. Overall being a Care Manager is one of the most rewarding jobs anyone could choose to do, I really feel that I can make a positive difference.
The most satisfying part of this role is the service users you meet and the support you are able to offer to them to remain as independent as possible. I have a fantastic team of care workers, they are really passionate about making positive difference. As a team we work closely with families and other agencies, working out issues together as a team to ensure that our service users are receiving the best possible care. The job is more rewarding knowing we all share a common goal, which is providing a quality service.
The feedback I get from relatives, thanking us for the care and support given to their loved one is heart-warming, I feel humble that we were trusted to take care of their loved ones, there is no higher privilege than this or trust granted.
I am responsible for assisting HR with recruiting suitable care workers for my team. When I interview potential candidates, I always look at whether they are appropriate for the role, I always consider would I want them caring for my own Nan or mum?
On a daily basis I have to review and update care plans, go through care log and make sure record keeping is completed to a high standard. I communicate with social work teams, hospitals and other care professionals on a daily basis.
I carry out regular staff spot checks (observations) and supervisions, these checks are an essential part of the role, knowing your team are delivering a high standard of quality care. I really enjoy being hands on, working out in the community with my team. Knowing each and every one of my service users enables me to support my team effectively and plan the rotas for the area I manage.
I can honestly say that I picked this job because I have a passion for looking after others, it definitely wasn’t to make lots of money! Care is one of the most fulfilling jobs that you can do, I can’t imagine doing anything different. I feel I am part of the Complete Care family, I am extremely proud to go to work every day and work with others who are equally passionate about care. Complete Care really values and rewards the team, it is a great company to work for.
Teamwork is the basis of a great business and a healthy one!
Before I became a Care Worker I was a full-time mum to my two sons. I found this very rewarding but once they got to an age when they no longer needed me as much, I decided to apply for a job at Complete Care West Yorkshire Ltd, as I felt I had the personality and life experience to be a good Care Worker. I wanted to make a positive difference to elderly people who want to continue living in their own homes.
A typical day usually starts at about 6.45am. I arrive at my first call assisting them to get out of bed, supporting them to get washed, carrying out personal care and then assisting to dress. Once those needs are taken care of, I usually make my service user breakfast of choice and a nice cup of tea. My role also consists of supporting people with their medication, this is a great responsibility but there is documentation in place to support me.
I find chatting throughout my visits makes the person I'm caring for feel more relaxed and comfortable with me caring for them, as it is a personal job I'm doing. After I have completed my tasks in one home I drive onto my next service user. My next service user is a male and I assist him to shower, shave, dry and dress. After completing my job at this particular service user, I always get a feeling of real satisfaction, knowing I made a positive difference to him and his wife. I always chat with his wife too as I feel she needs a lot of support, living with someone with a disability can be very demanding. The chat is usually whilst I'm writing the report at the end of my visit. I then drive to the next address which is a short drive away. This service user requires companionship, so most of the time when I go we sit chatting and enjoying each other’s company over a cup of tea. I may be the only person she sees that day, so I know I’m making a difference to her day.
Working as a community care worker is very rewarding and although it can be demanding and very long hours, I can honestly say I love what I do and wish I'd have chosen this pathway a little sooner. My way of thinking is I treat people as I would want someone to treat my elderly parents. Each day can vary because I'm not always sure of how my service user are feeling. After I've finished my rounds on a morning it's onto lunches, which I usually return back to my morning service user and make them lunch. I help with any toileting needs or carry out any requests if time permits. My morning shift finishes around 13.30pm. I have found this type of work very satisfying and most rewarding and each day I feel I'm bringing happiness and a much needed service to each and every person I visit. Although I haven't got any experience to compare, I believe Complete Care West Yorkshire do believe in providing a high standard of person centred care and feel they have given me as much support and guidance that I might have needed.
