JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016 - 83

FOCUS :

CARE

WHAT SKILLS
DO YOU NEED
FOR A CAREER
IN CARE?

* Empathy and the ability to relate to
a huge range of different people, no
matter what their circumstances or
level of ability.
* Patience, tact and sensitivity.
* Ability to react quickly, remain calm
and logical in crisis situations.
* A friendly, approachable and
positive manner.
* An understanding that everyone
deserves dignity and respect.
* Strong communication skills
- particularly listening.
* Ability to keep calm under pressure,
as those you care for may sometimes
be distressed or even aggressive.
* Self motivation.
* Ability to write clear, consistent notes.
* Willingness to learn about company
policies and guidelines, and apply
them to situations.
* Ability to follow procedures.

including giving
medication or helping
with washing or
dressing. It might
also involve taking
them out for social
events, or to
give informal
carers - like
relatives - a break.
Usually, having a
regular home carer is
what enables an elderly
person to remain living at
home rather than going into a
residential unit. So you would be
helping people retain their independence
and dignity.
Home carers come across people with
a range of needs, from physical
disabilities to mental health problems,
old age and dementia. The aim is to give
continuity of care, so building long-term
relationships with clients and their
families is an important part of the job.

The ultimate goal
is to help people develop
decision-making
responsibilities and to
live as independently as
possible within their
community

Caring for young
people and adults
with learning
disabilities

It's thought around
1.5 million people
in the UK have a
learning disability,
and because these
vary greatly, they
need differing levels
of support and care.
Difficulties can be mild or
moderate - maybe help filling
out forms or going to college. People
with more severe needs might need
24-hour care and support for themselves
and their families. So, choosing to work
with adults and young people with
learning disabilities means you'll be
playing a crucial part in helping them
lead full and independent lives.
The ultimate goal is to help people
develop their decision-making abilities,
to choose their own paths in life, to feel

The number of
people aged 65 and
over is expected
to double by 2030
respected and to live as independently
as possible within their community.
There are many jobs where you
can work with people of all ages with
learning disabilities - including support
workers, specialist children and early
years workers, residential care
workers, service managers, personal
assistants, social workers, learning
disability nurses, psychologists,
occupational therapists and advocates.
Where you do your job will depend
on the severity of the learning disability.
It could be caring within the family
home, at a residential home, or
in hospitals, community centres,
schools, adult education centres and
even someone's workplace.
J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 0 8 3
JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016

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