Senior Care Assistant Review

I am responsible for the day to day care of elderly mentally ill residents in a nursing and care residential home. I order, administer and audit medications, write care plans and liaise with external agencies to ensure the health and wellbeing of the residents in my care. I manage teams of carers, carry out supervision and induction work with junior colleagues and deliver training courses in the Safer Handling of People.

I have learned to deliver focused training sessions, carry out research to help me to write clear and concise care plans and the effective supervision of teams of carers. I have also learned to be responsible for ordering and issuing medication. I have become better at reacting to poor physical health in older people.

I am enjoying the programme, although I feel that it does eat into my personal time somewhat. I do feel, however, that this is necessary so that I can gain the qualification, which will make me better at my job role. I have undertaken lots of training, both delivering and attending, in my career and believe that this programme is beneficial for my career.

The programme is well structured and organised to fit in around my work role. Course materials and company website etc. are easily accessible and simple enough to use. There is enough support to be able to carry out my work effectively and guidance is available when it I require it.

My employer is fully supportive of my training. I am given time to carry out any necessary tasks, for example extra learning or development, or research to develop my understanding and knowledge of the issues faced by the residents in my care. I feel that I can approach my employer if I identify any additional needs.

I receive adequate support from my employer. They are well aware that the training which I have undertaken is necessary for me to effectively carry out my role. I was requested to be put forward for this training and my employer carried out the necessary steps to enable me to undertake it.

I am currently undertaking the training, so it is a little difficult to definitively anticipate how I will ultimately be better able to perform my role, however, I have noticed improvements in my working practice since undertaking the training. For example I am more mindful of the needs of my fellow colleagues.

No, all of the activities which are available to get involved with are work-based. I work in a residential care and nursing home, so activities which benefit the residents in my care are regularly organised by specialised activity coordinators. I take part in as many of these as possible, though this is usually dictated by my working rota.

Yes

At present this is a difficult question to answer as our homes are due to be sold, so it is unclear as to how long we will continue to be employed by this employer.

Be prepared for long days and hard work, but that the work is very rewarding. Four Seasons are a supportive company who will assist you in pursuing your career goals, as long as you are also prepared to put it the hard work to achieve them. The wage is low for the level of responsibility or skills required to carry out the job, but this is the case right across the care sector. This needs to be addressed in order to attract new workers and to retain staff. If not the industry will continue to suffer and as a result care standards are very difficult to maintain.