Being a carer can be hard work, but it is also one of the most fulfilling and rewarding professions that reap endless amounts of job satisfaction. However, while rewarding and full of joy, it’s essential to know what you’re getting yourself into, not just for yourself but also for those who need and rely on you.

The difference between an ordinary carer and a good carer is seeing this career as more than just a job – it’s an incredible way to change someone’s life.

Working as a carer is always going to come with its surprises, and each day you’ll be learning new ways of how best to assist your patients. However, there are several things you’ll need to keep in mind when pursuing this career, as well as what you can expect to experience. 

1. You’re Always On Job And Need To Be Remain Vigilant

There are times when working as a carer for the elderly feels absolutely exhausting, yet you still need to remain vigilant for the sake of your patients. While the job might be demanding in this sense, the reward comes from knowing that you’re helping to change the lives of individuals who would struggle without you.

Being vigilant also means you’ll need to have your thinking cap on. For example, an ordinary task might be extremely difficult for someone suffering from a spinal cord injury. As a carer, there will be hazardous obstacles you’ll need to be vigilant about.

2. Working As A Home Carer Means You Might Be The Only Person They Have

Working as a live-in carer requires you to provide companionship for your clients, and in some cases, you might be the only person they can turn to when it comes to emotions. Listening to and acknowledging your client’s opinions or thoughts has incredible effects on a person’s well-being and happiness.

Showing that you care and that you’re interested in their wishes helps establish trust between you and your client. Gaining a patient’s trust is one of the most crucial aspects of the job, as it allows you to guide them in daily tasks and help them when they feel vulnerable.

3. It’s Not Just About Making A Cup Of Tea

Many people assume that a carer is just there to take care of the elderly by preparing their meals and providing them with company. While this is important, a carer is also there to assist with maintaining the individual’s daily routine, which includes paying bills and taxes, helping your client attend appointments or posting letters.

As a carer, it’s also your job to ensure that the house remains clean, safe and comfortable for the patient. Household chores can be a part of the daily job, as most patients don’t have a domestic worker on top of a live-in carer. And that means that the day isn’t simply filled with sitting down with a cup of tea and enjoying a chat with your client.

4. Flexibility And Availability Is An Important Aspect Of The Job

Reliability and dependability is a major factor when it comes to working as a private carer. It’s not your typical 9-5 job where you get the weekends off, instead, you’ll most often be required to work unusual hours.

5. Caring Nature

As a career, putting the needs and considerations of your patients first is a crucial part of being a successful carer. Certain traits will allow you to adapt to the challenges and responsibilities of being a carer, and if you’ve noticed the following characteristics within yourself, then being a carer can be the most fulfilling journey:

• Patient: It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go your way, but it’s important to remember to keep calm and keep your cool while on the job.
• Empathetic: Demonstrating compassion is one of the most valuable ways to support your patients and help build trust within your relationship.
• Supportive: Understanding that you need to support your client’s wishes and support them through tough times.
• Responsible: Each day, you’ll need to be able to show up as the best version of yourself, as you’re in charge of an entire person’s life.