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When recruiting staff for a care home, it is best to do so through an established agency. Such agencies ensure that people undertaking their training, are carefully selected and will be able to provide a high level of quality in health care and nursing. Who is a Home Care Worker? A home care worker is a person who provides care to elderly or disabled people who live in their own homes. The care required may include providing meals, personal hygiene, house cleaning and other health related activities. A good home care worker will see that the patient is taken care of in a respectful and caring manner. He or she will also liaise with any other resources and community resources if required. Knowledge required A good home care worker should have the following knowledge: • Good home care (feeding, good hygiene, cleaning etc.) • Be able to assess the patient • Knowledge of CPR and first aid skills • Skill to analyse and solve problems • Make decisions when required • Manage time effectively • Good interpersonal skills • How to manage finances • Know what resources and services are available in the community • Learn how to manage stress • How to resolve conflicts • How to manage whatever human resources that are available • Staff evaluation Required attitude An effective care home person should be understanding, caring, be able to empathise and non-judgemental. You will be dealing with injured or sick or old people who need special attention. Since sometimes stressful situations may crop up, you have to be in total control of your emotions. A calm approach and clarity of mind are required at all times. Communication As in any career, you need to have good communication skills, though when it comes to looking after people in a care home being able to communicate well is an important job aspect. This is because you will have to be in touch with not only the patients, but also their doctors and family members. A good care worker will be able to anticipate the needs of the patient which can in turn prevent possible mishaps. Responsibility Another attribute required for a good care workers, is responsibility. The job is such that it requires utmost attention to detail. You will have to assess the medical condition of the patient and in this context there is very little room for making errors. Besides any daily medical needs to be attended to, you will have to track any alterations or changes in the patient’s condition. As a care worker you might have to be flexible in your work timings. Old and sick people can develop emergencies and you will need to be present at such times – so you should be prepared to work on holidays, night shifts and do overtime if required. As a potential care home worker you should obtain a first aid diploma or certificate and having a driver’s licence will be beneficial. You should not have any criminal records in your background. If you have all the above-mentioned qualities the prospects of getting a good home care position are excellent.
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