Working as a Comfort Keepers Home Carer is a rewarding occupation, as evidenced in our last article ‘A Day in the Life of a Home Carer‘. Not only did Ann feel truly appreciated but her daily visits make such a difference to the life of her client, enabling her to live contentedly and independently in her own home.
If you are considering a career in Irish home care, you will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- You will be fully trained to Fetac Level 5 (you can complete your training while working as a home carer for Comfort Keepers).
- You will provide home care of the highest quality for your clients.
- The home care for each client will vary. The duties will include some light housekeeping, preparation of lunch, companionship and personal care.
- Log in on arrival to each client.
- Remind clients to take their medication. Sometimes you may be required to collect a client’s medication for them.
- You will update each client’s Personal Care record on each visit.
- You will help clients to maintain their hobbies, accompanying them for a walk or doing crosswords.
- You can run errands for your clients, with or without them – such as posting letters, doing a little shopping or helping them to purchase new clothes.
- You will be asked to contribute to the quarterly Personal Care review for each client – in collaboration with a Client Care Manager.
- You will attend regular training such as updates in manual handling training.
You will be required to have the following when applying for a Home Carer position:
- You should enjoy spending time with older people. You need to the type of person they look forward to seeing each day.
- A sensitive, friendly and caring personality.
- 2 modules completed of the Fetac Level 5 course (you can complete the other modules at a subsidised cost).
- Be comfortable attending to people’s personal needs.
- You must be trustworthy and reliable.
- You will need a Garda clearance form.
- You will complete induction training with Comfort Keepers and regular updates to first aid and manual handling training.
- You will need your own transport and a driving licence.
Working as a Home Carer is an enjoyable and rewarding occupation for those who are suited to the job. If you feel you have the attributes and abilities described above, why not apply for a career in Irish home care with Comfort Keepers. It’s not all work either – there’s plenty of opportunities for fun with other Comfort Keepers workers too – you can meet other carers and client care managers for barbecues and coffee mornings during the year.
