The role of a Care Assistant: duties & responsibilities

The role of a Care Assistant can be challenging but is ultimately highly rewarding. Care Assistants provide care for people who require additional support, enabling them to continue to live independently for as long as possible.

If you’re interested in the role of a Care Assistant, why not skip ahead and apply for one of our positions at Alina Homecare today? It’s easy to apply and only takes two minutes! You don’t need any previous experience as we provide all the training you’ll need.

No two days are the same as a Care Assistant. From popping in for a chat to providing a valuable lifeline, you’ll make a real difference in our client’s lives. Read our guide to the role and responsibilities of a Care Assistant to find out more today.

The role of a care assistant

What is a Home Care Assistant?

A Care Assistant, sometimes called a Care Worker, is someone who provides help and support to one or more clients, either in a care home or in their own home.

They work on the frontline of delivering care, enabling people to overcome everyday challenges. Care Assistant duties can vary but tend to include Personal Care, Domestic Care or providing valuable Companionship Care.

As a Home Care Assistant, each care visit varies in length depending on a client’s needs. Some clients require assistance with daily tasks such as attending appointments or helping with tasks around the home. Some clients require more specialist care for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s or after a stroke.

All Care Assistants have a duty of care and respect to all their clients. As a Home Care Assistant at Alina Homecare, you’ll get to know the people you provide care for well. This includes their likes, dislikes and individual needs. No matter what, it is the responsibility of a Care Assistant to maintain client’s dignity and their right to respect at every visit.

Ultimately, the role of a Care Assistant is focused on enabling clients maintain their independence. Many elderly and vulnerable people prefer to stay at home for as long as possible. Home is often where we feel most safe and comfortable. Care Assistants play a vital role in making this possible.

5 key duties of a Care Assistant

The role and responsibilities of a Care Assistant are diverse. No two days are the same. What they do on a daily basis depends not only on the client’s needs but also their interests. A Care Assistant job description revolves around helping clients with daily tasks which may be difficult for the client to complete alone. Duties also include providing emotional support to improve clients’ overall wellbeing.

Care Assistant duties also differ depending on whether they choose to work flexibly or become a Live-in Carer, where they move in with a client or couple to provide continuity of assistance.

The duties of a Care Assistant involve a mix of practical and emotional support. For this reason, it’s difficult to list them all. However, here’s a list of five key duties of a Care Assistant:

  • Personal Care – washing & dressing
  • Companionship – being a friendly face
  • Domestic Care –laundry, cleaning & tidying
  • Mobility – assistance getting around
  • Medication – reminders & collecting prescriptions

The job description of a Care Assistant is broad as different clients have different care needs. The role and responsibilities of a Care Assistant vary depending on these needs. Some may require Companionship Care or help with everyday household tasks. Other clients may require more specialist care for conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia or Multiples Sclerosis.

Ultimately, the duties of a Care Assistant revolve around providing person centred, high quality care to the client. To find out more about what the role of a Care Assistant entails you can read what Gary, a Recruitment Manager at Alina Homecare, describes as the main duties and responsibilities of a Care Assistant:

What’s included in a Care Assistant job description?

A Care Assistant job description often includes a summary of what you’ll be doing, your responsibilities and any necessary requirements. It’s important you read through the job description when applying for a Care Assistant job as it can help you understand what’s expected of you and if you’ll be the right fit for the role. Here’s some more information about the different elements of a Care Assistant job description:

Care Assistant job description – summary

Most Care Assistant job descriptions begin with a summary of the position and its role within the company. Typically, they include the main activities and responsibilities of the role and the type of person the company is looking for. Important requirements are also included within the summary.

Some may include additional information, such as who you’ll be directly reporting to. They allow the candidate to easily identify whether they’ll be the right fit for the role. It’s important to read through this before applying to avoid wasting your time if you don’t meet the requirements.

Care Assistant job description – responsibilities

Following the summary, the responsibilities of the role are typically listed. Most Care Assistant job descriptions include responsibilities so that the candidate can understand what is expected of them on a daily basis. It’s understandable that the role of a Care Assistant varies from client to client. Because of this, most companies just include the main responsibilities.

Here are some typical responsibilities included in a Care Assistant job description:

  • Personal Care – supporting clients with their daily hygiene routines
  • Supporting mobility – helping clients move about safely
  • Companionship – providing a friendly face and a listening ear
  • Housekeeping – completing daily household tasks such as laundry
  • Attending activities & appointments – taking clients to arranged events
  • Medication – collecting prescriptions & providing reminders
  • Preparing meals – making meals for clients, suiting their requirements

Care Assistant job description – requirements

Next, the requirements for the role are often found within the Care Assistant job description. This may include education, previous experience or certifications that are necessary for the role. They may also include any soft skills and personality traits that the successful candidate will need to have, such as being a good listener or highly organised.

Before applying for a Care Assistant job, it’s important to read the requirements to make sure you have the right skills and experience to be successful in the role. Here are some typical requirements found in a Care Assistant job description:

  • Communication & interpersonal skills – Care Assistants need to be able to communicate effectively to clients and their Team
  • Responsible & organised – the role requires a high level of responsibility and to be organised to ensure high quality care is always provided
  • Ability to follow policies & procedures – as the role involves taking on care responsibilities of clients, candidates must be able to follow company policies & procedures
  • Driving license & access to a vehicle – a lot of Care Assistant roles require this to be able to travel between clients’ homes

Comparing the duties of a Home Care Assistant vs a Care Home Assistant

If you are considering becoming a Care Assistant, you’ll likely have questions about the role. For instance, what kind of environment would you work in? Typically, this is a choice between visiting clients in their homes or working in a care home.

Although the duties of a Care Assistant can be very similar in a care home and the home of the client, working conditions can differ significantly. Consider the following points when choosing to become either a Home Care Assistant or a Care Home Assistant.

Central Support

Care Assistants who provide care for an established company like Alina Homecare, receive access to a local Team as well as central support Teams.

This means support is always close at hand – from a 24/7 wellbeing helpline to dedicated Operations, Quality and Human Resource Teams. Although this support may not always be in person, someone can always be reached to provide support or advice when it’s needed.

Many care homes are by their nature operated at a local level. Care Home Assistants will still receive support in their role, but often this will come only from the immediate line manager. 

Experience Variety

Care Home Assistants typically stay in the same location throughout the day. Some people prefer this as it requires less travel.

On the other hand, many Home Care Assistants enjoy travelling between clients’ homes and the freedom it brings. Many companies, including Alina Homecare, also offer generous mileage allowances that cover the cost of travel.

Many Home Care Assistants also get to enjoy variety visiting different clients’ homes throughout the day, but they may also experience day trips with clients such as visiting a garden centre or attending community events.

Enjoy Independence

A primary difference between working in a care home and Home Care is the level of independence experienced. The shift pattern of a Care Home Assistant can be a lot stricter. They don’t have as much control over the daily activities and will work set hours.

On the other hand, Home Care Assistants have more control over their schedule. We offer part time Care Assistant jobs and many of our Care Assistants also have the option of working extra hours. From agreeing on shift patterns beforehand to driving between appointments, the day of a Home Care Assistant can feel more self directed.

Deliver One to One Care

In a care home, Care Assistants take care of multiple clients at the same time. It is not rare for Care Home Assistants to constantly juggle different clients’ needs all at once. This represents a different challenge than Home Care, where the Care Assistant will be with one client, or a couple, at a time.

For many of our Home Care Assistants, this personal approach helps them to focus on their immediate duties. It can also allow them to build a relationship with clients.

Here’s what Laura, a member of our Home Care Team who previously worked in a care home, says about the differences between these working environments:

What do Care Assistants do on a daily basis?

The daily routine of a Care Assistant changes each day, depending on the clients they care for and their needs. What Care Assistants do in the morning can differ from what they do during the day and in the evening.

Role of a care assistant - spending time with clients

Here is what a typical day may look like for a Care Assistant:

Morning

In the morning, Care Assistants clients get up and ready for the day. This can include assisting them with washing, dressing and assisting with using the bathroom.

After getting ready for the day, some clients may need help with preparing a nutritious breakfast. Clients with reduced mobility or conditions such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis may require help with eating breakfast.

Many people need to take daily medication each morning alongside food and drink. Care Assistants will therefore often help with organising and administering medication at this time.

Afternoon

Care Home Assistants typically stay in the same location throughout the day. Some people prefer this as it requires less travel.

On the other hand, many Home Care Assistants enjoy travelling between clients’ homes and the freedom it brings. Many companies, including Alina Homecare, also offer generous mileage allowances that cover the cost of travel.

Many Home Care Assistants also get to enjoy variety visiting different clients’ homes throughout the day, but they may also experience day trips with clients such as visiting a garden centre or attending community events.

Evening

At the end of the day, Care Assistants may prepare clients a nutritious dinner and help them eat if needed. This is often followed by assisting the client with administering any medication they require in the evening.

Care Assistants then help the client with any Personal Care to help them get ready for bed. This can include dressing into nightwear, washing and going to the bathroom before assisting them into bed.

They then ensure the client has everything they need and that they feel safe and secure for the night.

Why become a Care Assistant?

Many people want their work to have meaning. A Care Assistant role makes this possible. You’ll have a direct, positive impact not only on the person you are caring for but on their loved ones too.

Here are five reasons to become a Care Assistant:

  • Variety – each day is different! The role and responsibilities of a Care Assistant are varied and include a range of different tasks from being a valued companion to helping with daily tasks. If you’re someone who enjoys variety in your daily life, this could be the role for you
  • Flexibility – often, you’ll be able to have a say in what hours you work. This allows you to have time to focus on your own goals and personal commitments. At Alina Homecare, we understand this and always try to consider your schedule
  • Make a difference – the role of a Care Assistant is highly rewarding. You’ll be making a positive difference in the lives of your clients by enabling them to live more independently at home
  • Training – as a Care Assistant, you’ll receive excellent training to deliver the best quality care possible. This allows you to develop and expand your skills and knowledge. At Alina Homecare, all our Care Assistants receive training through our exclusive Training Academy
  • Career progression – many Care Assistants have the opportunity to develop their careers and take on more duties and responsibilities. Many of our Branch Managers at Alina Homecare started as Care Assistants!

At Alina Homecare, we value all our Care Assistants and are proud of the quality care they provide each day. Therefore, we offer a range of benefits including 24/7 wellbeing support, big discounts on top brands and paid holiday. Watch the following video to learn more about the role and what it’s like to be a Care Assistant at Alina Homecare.

What skills are needed to become a Care Assistant?

We all want a job that makes a difference. Bring your caring and happy attitude and we’ll teach you the rest! If you’re wondering if you’d make a great fit for the role, here are some common skills you’d need to fulfil the duties of a Care Assistant:

  • Friendly and positive attitude
  • Empathy and kindness towards others
  • A great Team player
  • Ability to be proactive and use your initiative to make decisions
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Attention to detail

To become a Care Assistant at Alina Homecare, all you need is a willingness to learn and good communication skills. Most of our roles require a driver’s licence and access to a vehicle to be able to travel between clients’ homes. If you can’t drive or don’t have access to a vehicle, contact our Jobs Team to find out if your local branch has any walking vacancies.

We will provide you with opportunities to learn new Care Assistant skills and develop your current ones, helping you to be successful in your Care Assistant role.

Can you be a Care Assistant with no experience?

You don’t need any qualifications or previous experience to become a Care Assistant at Alina Homecare. You just need to pass an enhanced DBS background check and have the right to work in the UK.

When starting your new role, you’ll receive advanced training through our Alina Homecare Training Academy to help you fulfil the duties of a Care Assistant. This includes everything from learning about our quality standards to understanding specific conditions such as dementia. Once you start, there is also the opportunity to pursue ongoing training such as an NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care and diplomas in the health and social care sector.

Is a Care Assistant the same thing as a Support Worker?

A Care Assistant provides care for people, often who are elderly. They enable them to live more independently for as long as possible. This often involves duties such as helping clients get ready for the day, doing daily tasks and providing companionship.

Support Workers work with people with disabilities to help them achieve their goals. This can also include similar tasks such as Personal Care, but can include support for people to access education, acquiring new skills and social interaction.

There is some level of overlap between the roles and responsibilities of a Care Assistant and the duties of a Support Worker. Although each role is different, they are both equally rewarding!

What is the average salary for a Care Assistant?

According to Total Jobs, the average salary of a Care Assistant in the UK is £19,078 [1]. At Alina Homecare, we’re proud that many of our Care Assistants earn more than this.

Your salary varies depending on different factors. This includes where you live, the hours you choose to work and the type of contract you have with us. To learn more about how much you could earn, we recommend chatting with our friendly Jobs Team.

Not only do we offer competitive pay, but at Alina Homecare we provide great perks and benefits for all our Care Assistants. This includes access to our rewards programme where you can receive big discounts on top brands, paid mileage and a refer a friend bonus! Apply now to start earning great pay.

What opportunities are there for career progression?

At Alina Homecare, we are dedicated to your career progression. Many members of our Team have developed and grown successful careers with us.

We offer our Teams the chance to work towards an NVQ or diploma whilst working for us. This can lead to a Senior Care Assistant role, as well as a Care Coordinator and Supervisor job. After gaining quality experience, we also offer managerial positions where you can run your own branch.

How to apply

Applying for one of our Care Assistant roles at Alina Homecare is easy and will only take two minutes. We don’t require a CV or a cover letter, but this can strengthen your application. Read our Care Assistant CV template and Care Assistant cover letter guides to find out more.

We have many new and exciting opportunities available, so we suggest chatting with our friendly Jobs Team to learn more about the roles we currently have available. They can answer your questions and provide a job description.

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to have an interview. To stand out from the crowd, read our Care Assistant interview questions and answers to help you prepare.

If the role of a Care Assistant sounds like a great fit for you, apply today!

HC Jobs | Care Worker CV Template Request (#32)

References

1. Total Jobs, “What is the Average Salary for Care Assistant Jobs?“, Reviewed 22nd May 2023

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