If you know you’re destined for a career in care, it isn’t always easy to know which path to choose. There are so many different roles to choose from, with varying hours, responsibilities and levels of qualification required. Perhaps you’re just starting out, and know that you’d like to give something back, but aren’t sure how to go about finding a role that suits you.
Sometimes, it can feel difficult to translate excellent practical and interpersonal skills into a viable career path. However if this sounds like you, a live in care job could perfectly suit your skillset. In this blog we explore the role of a live-in carer, and help you to decide whether this is a career that is right for you professionally and personally.
A career perfect for caring, considerate personalities with a flair for organisation and practical support
Individuals who know that they were cut out to care often find it difficult to fit in to a traditional care role. Often the pay is poor, the hours are unpredictable and antisocial, and there is rarely an opportunity to really feel rewarded or fulfilled. However, live-in care has recently experienced a rise in popularity – and with this the demand for specialist carers has increased. Live-in care jobs are perfect for naturally caring individuals who love to help and support others. As lots of different types of people with varying care needs may require live-in care, you’re much more likely to find a role that perfectly suits you – whether it involves complex care, or simple companionship.
The chance to really care
If you aren’t new to the care industry, it’s likely that you’ve experienced the frantic anxiety of a traditional role in a care home, hospital or domiciliary care setting, running from one house or resident to the next and having no real time to do anything meaningful other than the tasks assigned. The frazzled existence of these care worker roles is often down to limited resources and time, and can lead to dissatisfaction and high stress levels. On the contrary, a live-in care job gives you the freedom and the time you need to really look after someone and do more than the task of caring. Wellbeing and making a difference through enhancing someone’s life again, has proven to be a benefit of this type of care. As you’re proving one to one care, you’re not spread thinly between too many clients, you are able to focus on one, or indeed just 2 if you care for a couple. You also have an opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with that person and understand their likes and dislikes so that you can care for them on a personal level and with great detail, care and attention.
A varied, interesting and enjoyable role
Unlike other caring roles, the life of a live-in carer is rarely mundane. Often these types of carers are required by individuals who still wish to live an independent life – so day-to-day responsibilities may include accompanying your client as they enjoy trips away, holidays, hobbies and activities, if these can still be achieved or bringing to life their passions and interests in their own home. These are usually varied roles – and as you may also need to take care of the home there will always be cooking, cleaning, shopping and organising to do on top of your other responsibilities.
Better pay
Because of the dedication and commitment involved in live-in care roles, they are generally higher paid than other roles within the sector. In addition because you are likely to be spending the majority of your time at work and usually have your meals and other aspects of your day-to-day life covered by expenses, you’ll come away with even more money each month. This extra income is great for individuals who perhaps would like to save money, or have a mortgage to pay .
Interested in a role as a live in carer? Find out more about by browsing our live in care jobs.
