Home Care Worker

Job Description: Home Care Worker

Reports to: Registered Manager

Purpose of Role
To support those who use our service with all aspects of their day to day living, so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life. Providing care and support is both a challenging and rewarding experience. You will mostly work alone with the individual in their home. Compassion, good communication skills and a calm and caring manner are essential for this important role. The homecare support should be delivered and managed always in a way that meets the needs of the person receiving homecare.

Key responsibilities
Safely provide compassionate care and support that is centred on the individual needs and wishes of each person. Respect the individual choices and promote their dignity. Provide all anticipated duties that may be required as outlined in the Home Care Plan.

You may be the only person the individual sees over a period, it is therefore essential to report any changes or causes for concern to your line manager promptly. You need to be clear about when to seek help and advice to ensure the safety of the Service User and promotion of their well-being.

Duties

  • Care and support: Give non-discriminatory care and support that values the diverse and unique qualities of each person. See the whole person and not merely a list of care needs. Carefully listen and observe how people prefer their care and support to be delivered on a day to day basis. Help them make their own decisions and to be as independent as possible.
  • Follow instructions in the care and support plan (Home Care Plan) which has been agreed with each individual. The following list is not exhaustive and required services will vary depending upon individual needs.
  • Provide all aspects of personal care as required including getting in and out of bed,
  • Showering and bathing,
  • Dressing and grooming,
  • Toileting and continence care to include safe disposal of incontinence wear, Teeth and dentures
  • Provide medication prompting to take prescribed medication as per Home Care Plan
  • Collecting of prescriptions from the pharmacy as per Home Care Plan and returning unwanted medicines for safe disposal, (any costs incurred by you will be accommodated within appropriate hourly rates and mileage rates where agreed)
  • Observe dietary intake ensuring food and fluids are consumed as per Home Care Plan. If the Service User is experiencing ongoing difficulty eating or drinking, the Home Care Worker must report this to their supervisor who then must report this matter to the relevant HSE staff / GP and appropriately record in the record of care.
  • Undertake meal preparation as per Home Care Plan.
  • Shop for relevant food requirements where no other support exists.
  • Agree with the individual how to store food safely and dispose of out of date produce if appropriate.
  • Safely using aids and personal equipment in a manner that respects the dignity of the Service User including the following, Standing and walking frames, Wheelchairs, manual and electric hoists, Sliding sheets and moving boards, Hearing aids and any other physical aid.
  • Undertake essential household duties as per Home Care Plan to maintain a safe environment pertaining to the Service User including basic kitchen /day living area, bathroom and bedroom hygiene, heating and fire preparation where appropriate, rubbish removal and disposal as required.
  • Encourage Service Users to exercise independently, where appropriate. Use appropriate mobility devices and delegated exercise programme as per Home Care Plan.
  • Encourage social activities or mental stimulation as per Home Care Plan to include but not limited to the following, for example
    – Writing cards, letters or emails,
    – Taking a person out shopping, to see their friends or to other activities
    – Hobbies and recreations such as reading, photo albums, and or engaging in games,
    – Answering the door, telephone and greeting visitors.
    – Report any faulty equipment or hazards observed in the home.
    – Respond to emergencies, accidents and incidents adverse or otherwise as per guideline and report to your line manager as appropriate.

Report any Safeguarding concerns to ensure compliance with Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse; National Policy and Procedures.

Provide support to the individual through temporary or terminal illness, including but not limited to the following, post-surgery, disability and or End of Life Care.

Observe and report any changes in general health and well being and skin integrity and the Home Care Worker must report this to their supervisor who must then report this matter to the relevant HSE staff / GP, and appropriately record in the record of care.

Other matters as required by Home and Away Care procedures

  • Keep all information about those who use our service and their families secure and confidential.
  • Work well as part of the Home and Away Care team.
  • Follow Home and Away Care policies, procedures and guidance.
  • Take part in staff and any other meetings as required.
  • Attend training activities and appraisal and development meetings

Personal Attributes

  • Caring and compassionate towards people in need of care and support.
  • Respect for people suffering from a range of medical conditions with different backgrounds and beliefs to your own. Commitment to non-discriminatory care practice.
  • Self-motivated and keen to learn. Willing to seek guidance when needed and follow instructions.
  • Excellent time keeper and reliable.
  • Good hygiene practice, including personal hygiene, and a smart appearance in compliance with dress code to include non – slip shoes.
  • Good stamina and a level of fitness to meet the physical demands of the job.

Knowledge and understanding

  • General understanding of the needs of people who require care and support.
  • Respect for the rights of everyone who uses our service. Understanding the importance of giving the best possible care and support centred on the individual needs and wishes of each person.
  • Understanding of why confidentiality is important and what this means as a care worker.

Experience and skills

  • Ability to listen, communicate clearly and build positive working relationships with individuals who use our service, their families, Home and Away Care staff and other social and health care professionals.
  • Ability to give care and support to people with aspects of their daily living in a manner that respects their dignity, is non- judgmental and promotes their independence, choices and privacy.
  • Good organisational skills, so those using our service receive the services they expect.
  • Ability to use own initiative and work alone or as part of a team especially in an emergency.
  • Numerical skills to support individuals in managing their money and buying shopping or paying bills when requested to do so.
  • Ability to keep written records in clear English about the care and support given to each Service User,
  • Ability and willingness to follow Home and Away Care’s policies, procedures and instructions.

Additional requirements

  • Commitment to respecting peoples’ rights always including their rights to privacy, dignity and independence
  • Willingness to undertake training. All staff are expected to meet regulatory training standards
  • This role will require you to obtain Garda Clearance
  • Full Drivers Licence and own transport is required
  • QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support or equivalent and or commitment to undertake

Desirable criteria

  • Previous experience as a care worker or as an unpaid carer
  • Knowledge of how to recognise abuse and safeguarding procedures
  • Working knowledge of health and safety matters relating to home care
  • Flexible approach to working

APPLY

To apply for the position of Home Care Worker with Home and Away Care, please email your CV to joan.browne@homeandawaycare.ie with “Home Care Worker” in the sublect.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Home & Away Care on 023 884 2253.