Caring for others for a living

Many of us, at some point in our lives, will become carers for a time. Whether it's looking after our babies, elderly relatives, sick or infirm friends and loved ones, necessity often dictates that we take on the role. Others, of course, have a vocation for care and choose to do it for a living, offering help and relief to people in the wider community. As the years pass and the population of the western world in general becomes older, it is likely that skilled carers with a genuine passion for their work will be more in demand than ever.



There are over three million working carers in Britain today, both paid and voluntary. There are many paths into this line of work; some people enter through specific training and university courses while many others begin by looking after a family member and later apply the skills they have developed to help others. Some carers work full-time in care homes for the sick and elderly while others work part-time and in many other environments. Respite carers, for example, provide relief care to those already looking after those affected by illness or disability by going into the home and temporarily taking over care duties while the full-time carer has an opportunity to take a break and enjoy life outside the home.

Working full-time in a care home can vary considerably depending on the role involved and there are positions available for those of varying skill levels. Medical professional like nurses are always in demand and can provide specialised and expert care for those who need it. Care assistants of various levels of experience help to meet the individual needs of the home's resident while improving their quality of life and promoting independent living. In some cases, those working as care assistants may be on the path to becoming a nurse, studying for their qualifications while serving in a vocational role to provide care and relief where it is most needed.



While medical or nursing experience is considered a very valuable asset, some organisations will consider taking those without formal qualifications but who have a compassionate nature, patient outlook, good bedside manner and a passion for helping others. Because working in a care home or providing respite care often involves working with vulnerable individuals who have very specific needs, it is standard practice in the industry to have all candidates undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Individual organisations may also have specific requirements about the level of experience or expertise required before working for them.



Becoming a professional carer can open up many career opportunities for those who wish to work in the health and care industries. With care home jobs available all over the country, many of those who enter this line of work find that their skills are in demand all over the UK.