General considerations for travelling to the UK for live in care work
There are a few things to consider and take seriously when choosing to engage in this career, even if for a short time. This is for your own benefit, but also for your future client’s benefit too!
The things you should consider before entering into an engagement for work with a client are various but to name a few, you should consider:
- Being away from friends and family for a period of time
If you have never been away for some time (1 month+) you might think about this properly as it is not fair for the clients that you go there and want to leave after 1 week due to being homesick or missing your friends and social life.
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- Have you got any disabilities or health restrictions?
It is important to keep in mind that working as a carer may involve a certain strain on your back although you will be trained as to how to keep this to a minimum with the agency’s course in manual handling.
- Do you consider yourself as a responsible, organised and mature person?
Working as a carer will make you responsible for the whole life of another human being who isn’t able of looking after him/herself due to her/his illness or condition. Medication, food hygiene, Personal hygiene are some of the few things that if not taken seriously can result into dismissal from work, but worst of all, the client feeling mistreated! You will also be responsible for organising appointments and logistics, like transferring equipment if for example you and your client go on a holiday together. Being unorganised will neither help you, nor your client!
- Do you think you are a patient person?
In most aspects of the job, the best quality a carer can have is Patience! Being patient and understanding the client and his/her behaviour is a key aspect for being a good carer.
- Are you OK with cleaning and domestic chores?
During a good part of your paid 8 hour routine, you will have to do some cleaning that the client isn’t able to do by him/herself. Basic things however, you will basically do the same things as you did in your own house, and since you’re living there, you won’t notice the difference!
- Do you like meeting new people and socialising?
Most clients have a very active and full life. You will be meeting their family, friends and social circle so if you’re a reserved kind of person, its worth considering taking their example!!
- Have you ever thought how much alcohol you consume weekly/monthly? Do you smoke?
Many carers have never worked or been in a full time 24/7 position before. It is good to keep in mind that alcohol whilst working is not permitted. Most agencies are very careful with this, and if you get caught drinking alcohol whilst being on duty, you can be asked to leave your placement immediately! This can also happen if you are having your break and your client notices you are not sober enough to finish your day’s work on your return!
Smoking is not permitted in the client’s house although you can pop out of the client’s residence each time you need a smoke. Some clients however request specifically for non smoking carers, so this might limit your chances of finding a job.
Most importantly, the best quality in all situations is to act professionally in the best interest of clients. If none of the above is of any issue to you, all the rest will be a gentle downhill!
Health Suggestions
- There may be times when you feel lonely and isolated, so take a book, some knitting, a hand-held game (Sudoku for instance) or something else to do when you are not occupied with the Client.
- Try to take a break each day and get outside for a walk if at all possible.
- If your duties involve washing the Client or applying cream, you must use disposable gloves. (Most agencies supply gloves for free)
- Consider purchasing a back support if you have a history of back pain. These cost about £30, but the warmth and support provided could enable you continue with the assignment.
- If you are troubled because the door to your room does not have a lock, consider buying a rubber door wedge.
- In the UK, the concept of “healthy eating” includes reducing your salt and sugar intake to recommended levels. You may get some comments if you sprinkle a liberal amount of additional salt on your meals or take multiple spoonfuls of sugar in your tea or coffee.
- Look for the humour in all situations and try smiling to yourself after every irritating incident. You will certainly have some stories to tell once you have done a few weeks of live-in care work.