As the title suggests, this blog post will be documenting a day in the life of a care assistant which is my full-time job (well before I finished up for maternity leave). Before I go into the details of the daily routine, I want to give some background information.
In March 2014, I began caring for elderly and disabled individuals in the community. This was my first proper employment and not something I ever imagined I would be able to do. In fact, before my first shift I had a complete meltdown and was so worried that I would hurt one of the service users. Of course, this never actually happened in the time that I was there and I was able to build up a good rapport with the people I supported. My confidence was greatly improved and I really enjoyed the work I was doing, but sadly the amount of travelling I was doing in my car really began to take its toll on me and I had to look for another job.
I decided that in keeping with the theme of looking after people, that I wanted to look for another job within the same line of work but without all the driving. This led me to my current role as a care assistant in a nursing home, where I started in June 2018. I work three days a week from 8am to 9pm which gives me plenty of time for relaxing whilst still being able to support my growing family.
Now on to the daily routine, which as I just said, begins at 8am. The nurse, other carers and myself begin by hearing the handover from the night staff and reading any notes in the diary. This is incredibly helpful and allows us to set up a plan for the day. Some of the residents may have appointments or activities happening throughout the day that we need to be aware of so that they can be ready.
The next step is for us to check on the residents that are already awake and sitting in the day room to make sure that they are all well and help them to the dining room for breakfast. We then check on the residents who are still in bed and see if they are ready to get up for the day. Some of them would prefer to sleep a little longer and that is absolutely fine, so we tell them to press their buzzer when they are ready and we will come and assist them.
By around half past 10, all of the residents are washed, dressed, have had their breakfast and are now sitting in the day room or in their bedrooms, as some wish to spend their time alone. This means that it is break time for the carers and time for anther cup of coffee (definitely an essential when you are on your feet all day and need to stay alert).
11am signals that it is time for morning tea or coffee and biscuits for the residents. This is usually eaten as they watch the morning breakfast programs such as cooking shows or the daily gossip. Many opt to have a nap as not many activities tend to happen during this time of the day. Then it is time for toilet trips before lunch at 12:30.
After lunch is finished, it is the same routine of getting everyone settled where they want to be and the carers heading off for their feed. This is also when the residents have a chance to participate in different things such as a game of bingo, some music therapy or visits from their family and friends. Some days are busier than others but it is all great fun and, as a carer, it is lovely to see them taking an interest in an activity rather than sleeping the day away. It certainly helps to pass the time until dinner at 16:30, which is the final big meal of the day.
When we have tidied up from dinner, some of the residents like to retire to their beds, especially those whom have been awake since 5/6am. Others prefer to watch the television in their bedrooms or to return to the lounge and have a blether with their friends. After all the residents needs have been attended to, it is time for the carers to have their final break.
At around 19:30, supper is served to those who are still awake and we have a chance to sit and chat to the residents for a little bit before the end of our shift. We also have to carry out a check of all the people who are in their rooms and make sure that the paperwork is up-to-date. This is probably the most boring bit of the job but definitely a vital part as it ensures that everyone is on the same page with regards to the health and well-being of each of the residents.
Just before 9pm, the nightshift arrive and it is time for them to receive their handover. Then there is a sigh of relief as we all clock out, saying our goodbyes and relieved to be going home to bed. As much as it is tiring, we can all agree that we have done all that we can that day to make the lives of the residents as positive & fulfilling as possible.
I have tried to keep this post as brief as possible, whilst still giving you guys an insight into a typical day of a care assistant. Of course, no two shifts are exactly the same and things can change suddenly but generally we have a good functioning routine which makes the 13 hours go by quicker than you would think.
I could talk for hours about my job and the experiences that it has given me (how many people can say they have looked after a 104 year old woman?) but I will leave it there for now. If you have any questions about the role of a care assistant or you would like me to do more posts about the situations I have faced, both in the community and in the care home environment, then leave your comments over on my Instagram.
Hugz N Crafts, Sarah xoxo
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