Caring for the carer: the importance of looking after yourself

There is a general rule in the emergency services: you make sure you are safe first before attending to patients. An injured fireman, paramedic or policeman will be of no use to anyone. For example, in an emergency on a plane you’re told to first reach for your oxygen mask before you help others.

Working in care might not always be a matter of life and death, but maintaining your own well-being is as important as anything you will do in your job. If you allow your mental or physical health to suffer for the sake of your patients, there will come a time when you won’t be able to help them any more.

reflecting on your work / life balance

So, before you care for someone else, you need to care for yourself. You have to identify and establish personal barriers. This sounds selfish and awful and completely against your philosophy of being a carer, however, there are times when you have to draw a line between your life and your work, so you can be effective in both.

Some personal barriers could be: I will not go to work if I am unwell; I will assume there is another excellent professional who can step in and care in my place. It’s also worth remembering that it’s good practice to not pass on your germs to people who might have a compromised immune system.

Another barrier could be: I have an important life event, a birthday or a wedding; I will make sure that this life event is off limits to work because my personal contentment is important in maintaining a balance that will allow me to be strong for others.

This self-care might not come easy as a care worker but it is worth considering that self-care is an important part of being professional too. Being fit to care is as important as knowledge of how to care.  

How do you ensure you look after yourself in your care job? Tell us on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Looking for a job in care, check out our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .

What qualities do you need to work as a care worker?

Nearly everyone entering the care profession does so with a desire to make a difference. The number of care workers who are doing it to just earn a living can be counted on one hand. The best care workers have something special, a quality, which means they can bring comfort to others. How can we define this quality?

First and most importantly, the carer has empathy. This is not sympathy. This is not feeling pity for the person who needs care. Instead it is an ability to anticipate how that person will feel in that situation and respond with compassion to this knowledge. A good carer can anticipate what a person needs before they ask for the help themselves. Empathy is crucial if you are to maintain the dignity of the person you are caring for. Without empathy, you could be in danger of only seeing the needs that must be met, instead of seeing them as person.

a smile always helps

Second, the best carers will promote a sense of independence in the person needing care and a cheery disposition. Can you imagine the loss of your capacity to feed yourself, bathe yourself, get dressed, leave the house, seek medical attention? The best carer knows that they have to keep showing up, reliably and on time, having a positive attitude towards life and helping to build confidence in themselves at doing small tasks that they’re capable of.

Third, you need patience. There is every possibility that the person receiving your care will not respond positively or cooperate. They might be abusive, rude, or reject your help. The likelihood that this person actually wants your care is high but they might be frustrated with their situation or fed up with trying to find a suitable carer. So the best carers keep trying to win their trust.

Finally, physical and emotional strength. The care-givers role is to sometimes lift patients and manoeuvre them into a bath or into bed so physical strength can be required. However, the care-givers’ role is also to manage the emotional weight of the situation and react at different times of the day to these needs. The ability to be physically and mentally strong, as well as adaptable, is a crucial quality of the best care-givers.

No-one said a role in care would be easy but being empathetic, reliable, patient and physically and emotionally strong will certainly help you to be the best care worker.  

Think you have these qualities? Have a look at our current positions today http://lavoro.com/jobs .

What other qualities do you think are needed to be an excellent care worker? Tell us on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Wrexham Recruitment Open Days

Wrexham Open Recruitment Day

Drop in to apply for a Support Worker Role – Wrexham

Ramada Plaza Wrexham,
Ellice Way,
Wrexham
LL13 7YH

Recruitment open days 21​st​ and 22​nd September 2016 10am-4pm​ each day

Lavoro Care Limited are excited to announce the securing of multiple contracts within the Wrexham area. We invite you to come and see us and find out what we have to offer.

Are you looking for work within the Wrexham area? Are you a business in need of our services?​ Do you require the supply of temporary or permanent support workers?

Are you looking for work within the Health and Social Care sector?​ Do you want to make a difference to vulnerable children / adults by supporting them and promoting their independence?

If yes, then please drop in along with your CV to see us, our team would be delighted to meet you and discuss all the options available.

Each open day will include introductions, briefs, registrations and refreshments throughout.

We look forward to meeting you!

If you would like to speak to the team, please telephone 0151 691 4935

For more information please email wirral@lavorocare.com , or if you would like to apply but can’t attend an open day please send your CV to jobs@lavorocare.com

Why is a care agency the best way into a career in care?

Working in care is a rewarding career choice. It offers a great deal of job security and a personal sense of achievement, whilst providing opportunities for career development and pay progression.

So, why would an agency be a good route into care? First of all, it gives you flexibility to find the area of care that best suits you. You will have the opportunity to work in multiple workplaces and with a range of people. Working with an agency could offer a useful apprenticeship towards the type of care that could become your lifelong passion.

Working for a care agency will give you the best start to your career in care

Many people who recruit into care suggest doing your research and getting experience in lots of different areas of care. This could be done through voluntary work, or you could choose to start working at entry level in a care agency. This means you will earn as you learn what your career in care might involve. You will also gain a lot of practical skills and experience that forms the foundation of your personal growth in the care sector. It is a difficult catch 22, how to get experience when you need experience to get a job. Being prepared to work up from the bottom, with the help of an agency, could be a really good option for you.

The reputation of the care agency is the reputation you will take into the workplace. The level of trust and responsibility you will be given will correlate with the work provided by other carers in your agency. This is important for most care facilities seeking staff. So, you can be sure that if the facility has chosen your agency, then they will believe you will have the ability to do the job, and with their reputation in mind it is in the best interests of your agency to train you. They will want to provide you with all the skills, understanding and qualities that will make the best care worker possible. Therefore, the best agencies will offer continuing professional development and a clear structure through which you can progress.

Finally, being part of an agency means you are part of a team of people who are self-supporting. The agency will be looking to place you in work and maintain your living on their books. So, it is a reciprocal relationship: if you work hard then they are likely to work hard to get you work. With the best agency, it can be a flexible and secure approach to working in care.

Have a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs and try working for us, you’ll soon see the benefits.

Or perhaps you already work for us, let us know why you think that working for a care agency is the best way into a career in care https://facebook.com/lavorocare.

Interviews in the Care Industry : Common questions and how to answer them

So you’ve managed to secure an interview for a great new role in the care industry – congratulations! The next challenge is to really sell yourself in the interview and show the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

The key to a successful interview is in the preparation – after all, it doesn’t matter how talented, skilled, or experienced you are, if you can’t draw upon key examples or experiences to portray these qualities to your interviewer, how will they know that you’re perfect for the role?

We’ve compiled a list of common interview questions for the care industry, and how you should approach each one…good luck!

How to answer questions in your care job interview

What does the role of a care worker involve and who might you be working with?

This one might seem quite straight-forward, after all why would you apply for a job if you didn’t understand the role, right? What the interviewer is looking for is a good understanding of the expectations of the specific job role, so make sure you read the job description thoroughly and develop an in-depth understanding of what the role involves. If you fail to do any research, the interviewer will know straight away.

 

When you’re caring for someone, how do you ensure you maintain their dignity and respect?

This one is all about empathy – ensuring that you consider how the other person will feel. Make sure you demonstrate that you can do the job empathetically, encouraging the individual to do as much as they can for themselves, whilst offering support. Explain how you would help them to become more independent, whilst providing the care, support, and assistance they need.

 

Provide an example of when you’ve contributed to an effective and successful team

This is a common question in interviews in all sectors and industries. When you’re interviewing for a job in the care sector, however, the interviewer is looking for evidence of the soft skills and values needed for social care. Try and refer to a situation where you’ve listened to and supported colleagues, ensuring that you clearly show why team work was important and how your skills helped deliver a positive outcome.

Let us know your top tips to sail through interviews at https://facebook.com/lavorocare. If you’re currently looking for a new role check out our current positions at http://lavoro.com/jobs .

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Land that Care Interview

Unless they’re a confirmed ego-maniac, everyone is nervous about going for a job interview. And ironically the more we want the job the more nervous we get. Being prepared and knowing you’ve done everything you possibly can to help secure it beforehand can definitely help make you feel calmer. Here are our top 5 ways to get an interview:

Preparing for an interview in care

1. Getting experience

Regardless of what type of job you’re going for, having tried and tested it – via voluntary work or a temporary post, etc. – it shows the interviewer that (a) you’re serious about the job and (b) you know what it involves and that you like it.

Check out your local authority website for volunteering opportunities or approach charities/companies directly.

2. Getting great references

Another reason for volunteering and doing similar work in the past is to get a good reference/s you can show your interviewer. Another person’s good opinion of your work and personality – especially someone already in the care sector – will be highly regarded. If you don’t have formal experience have you looked after an elderly family member, neighbour or friend who could perhaps vouch for you?

3. Getting qualifications

All home care workers need to have social care qualifications or be prepared to work towards them (often the company puts employees through training). This covers topics such as understanding Dementia, supporting individuals with learning disabilities and infection control.

Any qualifications you do have should be up-to- date. You’ll also need a government Disclosure Certificate saying you’re fine to work with vulnerable individuals. You can apply if you get the job but if you already have one, that’s a definite advantage.

4. Listing your strengths

Take time to write down your good points beforehand and how they fit into the role. Are you a good listener, for instance? Many housebound people love having someone to chat with. Are you patient? People with Alzheimer’s often repeat themselves while those with mobility challenges can take time to complete certain tasks. Other great qualities to bring to the role include a cheery disposition, a desire to help others and, of course, a love for your fellow human beings!

5. Knowing your stuff

Even if you don’t have formal qualifications at this point, it’s still essential to research the government’s policies on what to do about caring for vulnerable individuals in certain situations. Unexplained bruising or increased agitation should be dealt with in particular ways, for instance. You’ll probably be asked a scenario-type question at your interview and it makes it easier to answer if you already know the guidelines.

The above 5 points should definitely help put you out in front when it comes to getting that care job. In fact, you’ll probably smash it! Meanwhile, find more helpful info on working in a Home Care role on our website lavorocare.com or like us on https://facebook.com/lavorocare to keep up to date with our other tips and insights.

How to Find a Job in Care

Once you’ve decided that you’d like to work in a caring role – one tending to individuals in their own homes in particular – it’s then time to take the next step. And by that we mean find a suitable job. There are various avenues you can explore in order to do this and we’ve highlighted some of the main ones right here:

Searching for a care job

 

Qualifications

Like most care jobs these days you’ll require qualifications to work with vulnerable individuals (i.e. children, elderly people, or those with physical/mental/learning disabilities).

You can get these by attending college full time or by working in the job and studying at night, day release etc. Many companies will put staff through these qualifications which could include: a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care, a Diploma in Adult Care and a Level 4 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care in a particular field such as Children and Young People’s Services, Dementia etc. It’s also possible to go on and study for specific roles via continuing professional development.

Volunteering

It’s a great way to find out first hand if you’re going to enjoy a caring role. Volunteering also gives you brownie points when you apply for a job in the sector (since you’ve already shown a commitment to your career choice). It’s also one of the best methods of building up a network of relevant contacts for those working in the field so that if a job does come up, chances are they’ll let you know straight away. Find a volunteer role through checking your local online community boards and charity websites.

Being pro-active

You can go down to your local employment centre, search through online job boards (including Communitycare.co.uk, UKHCA.co.uk, your local council and the NHS) or ask friends and neighbours if they’ve heard of any care roles that have come up. But it’s far better to be pro-active. Do this by writing to companies you’ve researched and would like to work for and asking if they’d bear you in mind for any positions that come up. This could be by both letter and email (just make sure you get the correct person’s email address in the first place).

Did you find your job in care through any of the above means? If so, we’d be interested to hear at jobs@lavorocare.com . Or are you looking for a care role at the moment? Check out our current positions at http://lavoro.com/jobs . Like us on https://facebook.com/lavorocare to keep up to date with our other tips and insights.

Why a Care at Home Role Is Like No Other

Hi everyone, this article is the first in a series of weekly articles dedicated to those working (or wanting to work) in care and/or support roles and why they are special people.

There aren’t many people who can say hand on heart that they love their jobs, but you’ll find that many individuals who care for others in their own homes can.

A care role is like no other.
A care role is like no other.

The rewards that looking out for someone and making their life that little bit better are hard to define. But you’ll know they’re there via that warm feeling you often experience and the smiles you regularly receive in return. It’s then you know you’re definitely on the right track career-wise. Here’s some reasons why a care role is unique:

  • It’s a calling

Live-in carers in particular often view their role almost as a calling since it involves an incredible amount of responsibility and care for one individual – someone who isn’t family and didn’t start out as a friend but, through time, has certainly become one. This is obviously a full-time role, with sometimes two carers sharing a round the clock rota, which means it can get intense at times but which, ultimately, leads to a close bond with your client.

 

  • It’s not all one-way

Individuals you are caring for will certainly look forward to your visit, but you too will no doubt be finding yourself keen to hear the latest in a client’s life, or wondering how they’ve coped with a recent appointment etc. In other words, clients become friends rather than ‘work.’

 

  • It’s flexible

One of the biggest advantages of being a carer for someone in their own home is the fact that you can often fit the role around your own commitments eg. maybe you have to be at home for the kids coming in from school, or you have a part-time job in the mornings, etc.

 

  • It’s intuitive

Especially if you’re older and looking to work in care you’ll find that you already have many of the life skills needed for the role. That’s because you’ve probably been involved in a nurturing role in the past such as bringing up a family or caring for elderly relatives/neighbours.

 

  • It’s fun

There’s not many jobs where simply going for a walk, making soup, enjoying a cuppa and a chat, or looking through some old photos together is work. Caring for someone in their own home is though. And, if it feels more like popping in to visit a friend than work, then you’ll know for sure you did the right thing in turning down that dull office job.

Looking for a care role at the moment, check out our current positions at http://lavoro.com/jobs . Like us on https://facebook.com/lavorocare to keep up to date with our other tips and insights.

New look Lavoro Care website and social media goes live

Exciting news! Lavoro Care has a new look website focused on connecting with you, the workers. With regular job updates and helpful tips of how to get the best out of working within the care industry we’ve got a plan to really push the boat out.

The new look

lavoro-care-new-look

We’ve been working hard over the last few months to get a new job-board website created so that it will allow you to see what jobs currently need filling and also gives you the ability to apply to them online.

Social media accounts

We’ve been asked loads of times if we’ve got a Facebook page or a twitter account and today we are happy to announce we’ve finally got them sorted! We’ll be sharing latest job opportunities, news, tips and articles about caring and working in care.

Follow us 😀 –

Our Facebook can be found here : https://www.facebook.com/lavorocare/

Our Twitter can be found here : https://twitter.com/joblavoro

So what else?

Well we’ve got quite a bit planned for the future. The first thing is we will publishing a weekly job of the week, for both Adult and for Child support vacancies. The next thing we’ll be doing is publishing a newsletter on a weekly basis covering various topics related to caring and working in support and care roles. Our hope is that you’ll find them helpful and informative.

So there we go, have a look at our new site, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and we’ll be in touch next week with more.