If you know you’re destined for a care job, it isn’t always easy to know which career 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. We explore the role of a live-in carer to help you decide whether this is the right career for you. We look at this from both a professional and personal perspective.
A career perfect for caring, considerate personalities with a flair for organisation and practical support
People who know they’re cut out to care often find it difficult to fit in to a traditional carer role. Often the pay is poor, the hours are unpredictable and antisocial. There isn’t always 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 people 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. That could involve 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 care job in a care home, hospital or domiciliary care setting. Rushing from one house or resident to the next and having no real time to do anything meaningful. The frazzled existence of these care worker roles is often down to limited resources and time. This can lead to dissatisfaction and high stress levels. Conversely, a live-in care job gives you the freedom and the time you need to really look after someone. To genuinely deliver more than just the task of caring. Wellbeing and making a difference by enhancing someone’s life is a benefit of this type of care. As you’re providing one-to-one care, you’re not spread thinly between too many clients. You are able to focus on one, or indeed two if you care for a couple. There is also the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with that person. You learn their likes and dislikes so that you can care for them on a personal level with 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 people who wish to live an independent life. So day-to-day responsibilities may include accompanying your client as they enjoy trips away. Maybe even holidays, hobbies and activities, if these can still be achieved. Alternatively, 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 higher paid than other care jobs. You will spend the majority of your time at work and have meal costs covered. That means 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.
