Being a carer is a very varied role where no two days can be the same, whether you’re a domiciliary care worker or work at one of our Extra Care Facilities. The factors that change your day, depend on the needs of your service users. We wanted to share some of the qualities that we look for when recruiting our carers.

Empathy

Dealing with service users and the different needs they have can be a sensitive topic, for both the service user and the carer. It is important that are carers can understand the sensitivity of our service users and are able to make them feel at ease. After all, this is the ‘care’ sector, and we want to ensure that our service users are well cared for in the most compassionate way possible.

Reliable

In most cases when caring for older people, medication is involved. These medications often have time requirements and therefore being reliable and having excellent time management skills is incredibly important. We understand that sometimes calls run over or traffic issues mean you can be late, however with the best time management skills, these situations are less likely to happen, ensuring our service users medication and calls are completed at an appropriate time.

Patience

Being a carer, you must be understanding and be patient. Many of our service users may struggle with mobility and will need someone who understands and doesn’t rush them. We understand that sometimes it can be difficult completing your care calls on time, but we need to ensure that our service users get everything they need and feel comfortable during their calls.

Communication

Communication is a vital part of a service users care, whether we are discussing their needs, any extra help they require, or just enjoying a conversation with them. Some of our service users may go days without seeing or speaking to anyone and rely on our care calls for social interaction. Even a short conversation with a carer could make their day and improve their mental health.

Respectful

With our Extra Care Facilities and Domiciliary care, our main purpose is to provide as much support to our service users, while helping them remain independent. We must be respectful with helping them manage their independence, encouraging them to do what they can and support them achieving this. It is also important that we remain respectful when showing and changing our service users to help preserve their dignity.

Passion and dedication

With such a demanding role, carers must be able to face a number of different challenges from day to day. To fulfil this role, dedication and a passion for care is required.

Adaptability and confidence

Sometimes, within this job role, you may experience some intense scenes and need to be prepared to react and deal with these events appropriately and professionally.

Attention to detail

Because of the severity of the role, as previously mentioned you need to be prepared for any challenges that could occur. Paying close attention to your service users when on your care calls is extremely important and you should take note of any differences that stand out to you.

Do you have the relevant skills to be a carer? Apply now! www.dalecare.co.uk/careers/