Dudley – Page 10 – Secure Healthcare Solutions

Unfortunately, going through chemotherapy is not the nicest of experiences. The harsh reality is that Chemotherapy does bring with is a variety of side effects that can’t be avoided. When going through the treatment you may feel fatigued which has the knock-on effect of a reduced appetite. It is important that you still eat and that you look after your diet, eating healthily to keep your body as strong as possible. Try to eat slowly, eating smaller portions but more often and opt for foods that are easier on your stomach, reducing fatty or spicy food. Your cancer care assistant can also advise you on this.

In order to help you during your chemotherapy treatment, below we have put together some food ideas for someone on chemotherapy.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and good fat. They are full of positive nutrients and help combat fatigue as well as fill you up. During Chemotherapy, it is especially important to look after your body. Eggs will help with maintaining muscle mass and are a good source of omega-3.

Whether you like scrambled eggs, poached eggs or hard-boiled eggs, there are many ways to include egg within your diet. Just make sure they are cooked properly to help reduce the chances of them disagreeing with your stomach.

Smoothies

For a blast of nutrients, look no further than a smoothie. Smoothies are great as you can add whatever you would like into them, switching up the flavour profile dependant on your symptoms or taste. If you experiencing any inability to chew or swallow, smoothies are soft on the throat and are great for enhancing your immunity and aiding digestion.

You can easily make your own smoothies, so make sure you buy all your favourite fruits and whizz up a smoothie that you can look forward to. Plus, if you need to get more vegetables into your diet, then a smoothie is a great way to achieve this. Your cancer care assistant can help to prepare these smoothies for you.

Fish

It is always recommended to eat fish within your diet due to the many health benefits it brings. If you are going through chemotherapy, try and aim for at least two fish dishes a week.

Fish is full of essential nutrients that will help your body. It provides you with omega-3 fatty acids and is full of protein to help your muscles. Fish also help with other areas of your body including brain health, your liver and your sleep (which is especially important when going through chemotherapy)

With a little research, you’ll find there are a whole plethora of fish recipes that you can follow which are easy to cook and digest when going through chemotherapy.

Protein-Rich Snacks

When going through chemotherapy you may feel particularly tired, low on energy at some points and a loss of appetite. It is important that you still try to eat something when you are feeling this way, which is why it’s important to have some snacks nearby when you feel like eating something small.

There are so many different snack ideas that you can consider when going through chemotherapy, below are just a few:

Fruit – this can be frozen, canned or dried
Cheese and crackers
Healthy soup
Yoghurts or ice-cream
Almonds and other nuts
Pumpkin seeds
Hard-boiled eggs
Celery with peanut butter or cream cheese

If you or your loved one is going through chemotherapy and needs some additional cancer care services, we are here to help. We have a range of cancer care nurses and assistants that can help you. Find out more here.

If you are looking for cancer care jobs near you, we also have a number on offer. Find out more.

hIt could come to a point in your or a family member’s life when certain home adaptations are needed to be made around the home to help with everyday tasks. If you have a home carer, one of the main benefits is that you can retain your independence and live at home. Yet there are still certain things that can be done to make it that little bit easier. One thing that you can do is make home adaptations.

If you are worried about falling over, accessing items in your kitchen, or getting in and out of the bath, there are things that you can do. Speak to your home care team who can also help with what might be best for you.

Top home adaptations that you might need to make in your home include:

Motion sensor lights – These can be placed so they automatically turn on when you get out of bed or walk in the front door. This can help to prevent trips and falls.
Stairlifts and a second-hand rail – If you struggle with getting up the stairs, these options can make it much safer and easier to do.
A key safe or door entry system – This will prevent you from having to get up every time the door goes for your carer or family member but also ensures that only those with the correct code will have access to your home.
Shower seats and bath rails – If you have a bath or shower, the hardest thing can be getting in and out, or standing up for the duration. Rails will help with this.
Powered recliner chairs – If you have trouble getting out of your chair, a powered riser-recliner will aid you with this.

Look to see what financial help is available

When it comes to making home adaptations, it can be expensive. Luckily there is financial help available if you need it. You might be eligible for support from your local council if you need to make small changes. Otherwise, for larger adaptations, you can apply for a disabled facilities grant.

Once you have applied for this, you will have an occupational therapist visit your home. They will walk around with you and you can show them what you struggle with. You will then work out just what you might need together. These assessments usually take at least an hour. It can be helpful to have a friend or family member with you to help explain your situation. They can also take notes if necessary.

Small adaptations usually don’t cost anything. The council should pay for each adaptation that costs less than £1,000. If you need a more expensive adaptation such as to widen doors to make room for a wheelchair or fitting a wet room, you could apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant or the Independence At Home grant.

Think about the future

When you are looking to get home adaptations, it is important that you think not only of what will be good now but also what will suit your needs for the future. It is better to get as much done in one go. This will save having to keep coming back and change what you are doing to your house, causing more hassle. When someone comes to do your assessment, this is something that you can talk about with them. If you have a home carer you can also ask them for advice to make your home better equipped for your needs.

Need more help at home? Want advice on your home adaptations? Whether you are looking for a home carer, personal care or a live-in carer, we are here to help. Check out our services and what we can do for you.

Respite care is there to help family members or caregivers when they need a break from the demands of looking after a sick or disabled family member. Whether you are looking for respite care in your own home or at a day-care centre, respite can be organised in advance or in an emergency should you really need it. The whole idea of respite is to reduce the burden you have on caregiving and to allow you a much-needed break to rest up, clear your mind before going again.

Why Is Respite So Important

You should never feel guilty when considering respite care. Caring for another person is a big job and often has an effect on your own health, social life as well as your home life. By taking a necessary break you will not only benefit from resting an coming back stronger but also reduce the stress and burden that you take on.

Below are three reasons respite care is vital:

It allows you to rest

As mentioned above, caring for another person is very full-on and requires your attention 24/7. This can be draining and cause you to burn out. And let’s face it, what sort of help will you be if you are feeling run down and exhausted? Respite care is there to give you a much-needed break. You can relax knowing that your loved one is being looked after by a professional. It allows you to have a period of time where you can focus on yourself and your wellbeing. You can spend time with your loved ones, meet up with friends and forget about your day to day stresses at home. Just like at work a break is what you need to regain your motivation. It will allow you to refocus and be on top of your game on your return.

Maintain Or Rekindle Your Hobbies And Interests

In not uncommon to hear from caregivers that they have stopped doing what they enjoy in life to look after a loved one. Respite can be a great opportunity to go out there and do the things you enjoy. Even if it’s for a few days, it can be really nice to pick up a racket and place tennis again or go to the beach and read your favourite book. As important as caregiving is, you should never forget how important your own hobbies and interests are.

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

Go on Holiday

Forgetting about your day to day worries of caring is important for your mental health. The best way to relax is to go away for a week. You will take a break from your duties as a caregiver. Respite allows you to get away and spend time with your family on a holiday. You will rest up and come back ready to take on your duties again but with additional motivation from your break.

Respite can be good for the person you are caring for

By getting respite care, it doesn’t only benefit you. Respite can be beneficial for the person your caring for too. They will receive professional help and it can be a change of scenery for them. They will get the undivided attention of a new person with who they can interact and get to know. This can be a much-needed break for both of you, allowing you to rest up ready for your return.

There are many reasons that respite care can be extremely beneficial. If you are looking for respite care in your area, please get in touch today as we would love to help you. We have Respite Care in West Midlands, Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas that we can assist with.

When it comes to a point in yours or a loved one’s life that they can no longer cope living at home, you will have to consider what the next step is. The two main options are usually live-in care or care homes. While both offer the same fundamental propositions, there are many differences between them. Both offer expert care 24/7, seven days a week on a long-term (or short term) basis depending on what is needed. There are benefits and detrimental points to both, but home care services have been rising in popularity more and more over recent years. And with good reason. A good alternative to sending your loved one to live in residential care, it offers all the benefits of a care home, with others added on too. Here are some top reasons that care at home is rising in popularity.

Care at home means you can stay in familiar surroundings

If you go to live in a care home you are being taken away from all that you know and hold dear. Houses are so much more than bricks and mortar, and many have been the home of the occupant for many years. In this time you would have built up a host of memories and created a space that you love and cherish. Being taken away from all your belongings and the sights, smells, sounds and routines that you know so well can be challenging; particularly for those that are suffering from conditions such as dementia. Home care services allow you to stay in your familiar surroundings, while also receiving the additional support and care that you require.

You receive dedicated one to one care

In a care home, you will receive care that is shared out between a number of other residents. When you receive home care services from a healthcare agency you receive dedicated one to one care in your own home. Your care at home provider will be there just for you and will be able to give you their undivided attention. No matter if it is emotional or medical, they will look after you and make sure that your needs are met without distraction. In a care home, they might have to rush off to help someone else, or be speaking to and helping many of you at the same time.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

You can feel more in control

When you receive home care services you can feel more in control. It is a home carer coming into your home as opposed to you going to their care home. You know where everything is and it is your space where you feel most comfortable. In a care home, you often don’t have control over the time you eat, when you go to bed and when you wake up. A home carer is more flexible with this and can sort out a schedule that works for you.

You don’t have to move away from your family

When looking for a care home you want it to be somewhere that you can envisage yourself living at. This might mean that you have to move out of town, or further away from your family. Many people need the care and companionship that their family provides and if it is harder for relatives to visit, this could be detrimental to your mental health. By staying at home you don’t have to alter any visiting routines from your family and if they usually pop round often, this can easily continue.

You can stay with your pets

Not many residential homes allow you to take your pet with you. For many, pets are like family and moving away from them can be very difficult and distressing. By staying at home and choosing care at home, you can keep living with your pet. If you have a dog that you aren’t able to walk anymore, your home care service carer can help you with sorting appropriate care for them so they still get the exercise they need. They can also help you with feeding them and liaising with a vet for you if this is required.

These are just a few reasons that care at home is rising in popularity. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we are a healthcare agency that provides many home care services ensuring you can stay in your own surroundings when you need it the most. We are one of the best home care agencies in Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for a care at home provider that puts their all into everything that we do, then look no further. Find out more about our home care services here and please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Dysphagia is a condition that means it is hard to swallow food or liquid. Not only is this distressing in itself, but if the person it is impacting is not eating it can lead to serious problems such as malnutrition, pneumonia or dehydration. This is why it is so important to try and assist with this as soon as possible. Some of the main conditions which could lead to dysphagia include Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury and cancer, particularly cancer of the oesophagus. Often, medical conditions such as the above, can cause the nerves or muscles in the throat to become weak or not work properly, making it difficult to swallow food and drink.

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

If you have dysphagia you could have difficulty swallowing certain liquids or foods, cough or choke when drinking or eating, bring food back up and be unable to chew food properly.

What does a nutritious diet include?

A nutritious diet will keep the body and mind healthy, strong and in the best state possible. A nutritious diet should consist of the following:
Carbohydrates – Found in foods like pasta, bread, cereals and rice

Healthy fats – Healthy fats are present in dairy, butter and oil
Protein – Protein can be found in pulses, nuts, meat, eggs and fish
Vitamins and minerals – Different vitamins and minerals are found in different foods. For example, Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, Iron in meat, poultry and beans and Vitamin A in vegetables such as carrots and kale.
Fluids – Water is best for the body to keep you hydrated

How to help someone with dysphagia swallow their food and drink

There are a number of different tips and methods for people with dysphagia and it is a good idea to try different techniques and see what works best for the individual. These are just a few things you can try to help your loved one.

Encourage them to sit upright, relax and take their time with chewing small, manageable pieces of food
Have more frequent, smaller meals and snacks rather than three large meals in a day
Eat soft foods that are easy on the throat, such as soup or yoghurt
Mash up food that is not naturally soft, or finely chop it so it is easy to manage. This can include meat, vegetables and fruit
Cook food until it becomes tender. This includes cooking rice or vegetables for longer to ensure they are soft and easier to swallow
Make smoothies or shakes. Instead of trying to help them to eat an apple or banana, why not put them together in a blender and make them into a smoothie? You can add milk to make it easier to swallow. You could also add in some protein powder to ensure they are getting enough protein for their body
Use plenty of gravy and sauce to help food go down easier
Avoid foods that are too salty, dry, sticky or have pips in as these can all be difficult to swallow
Take small sips of water or another drink between mouthfuls. Make sure these are small sips. If not, you might get full of water

How to decide what to make
There are also a host of recipe books out there which are specifically designed for dysphagia and if you need help with swallowing. No matter if you are suffering from swallowing and need help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care, there are some great resources to help. You could also try looking on Pinterest. Speak to the individual who is impacted and ask what foods they fancy. You can then put together a plan and some recipes based on this.

Remember that each individual is different and that some techniques might work better than others. Communicate with the individual and see what they feel comfortable with trying.

If you have someone coming in to help with the care of your loved one with Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury, cancer or anything else that can cause dysphagia, be sure to voice any questions you might have. We have a range of home care health professionals who can help. Find out more about how we can help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care as well as our other services here.

A recent report by Age UK found that over 500,000 elderly people don’t see or speak to anyone else for five to six days a week. They also found there are presently 1.4 million chronically lonely older people in England. Human beings are social creatures and not made to be alone. This is why companionship is so important. Unfortunately, our society has changed drastically over the past few years and social contact is not what it once was.

This is particularly true during the pandemic where we have been in lockdown and it has been harder than ever to see our loved ones. Things such as Facetime and Skype have made it easy to feel that we are in touch with relatives. Unfortunately for those that aren’t in tune with modern-day digital technology, this can be tougher than ever.

Being lonely is not just something that is unpleasant, but can also lead to a host of chronic illnesses. This includes an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and mental health issues such as depression. It is because of this that companionship care is so important. We are here to help with companionship care services near you to ensure that your loved one is well looked after and has someone to speak to when they need it. Here are some reasons for the importance of companionship care…

It can protect them against certain cognitive illnesses
Several studies have been conducted that have shown those who are lonely tend to score worse on the cognitive functioning scale. This means that they could have an enhanced risk of developing something such as dementia. Being on their own for too long has also been shown they are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. With someone to talk to, they can offload any worries or thoughts they might have before they can escalate.

There is a lower risk of heart disease
A recent study found that people who are not in regular contact with people and who suffer from extreme loneliness are 32% more likely to have a stroke and 29% more likely to develop coronary heart disease. The research found that those that are isolated and lonely are less inclined to take care of themselves. They might do less physical exercise, not eat as well and smoke more. Companionship care services can ensure your loved one eats well and regularly and has the company that they need throughout the day.

Why companionship care is so important — hoto by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

It will give them a sense of purpose
If someone is lonely they will lose their sense of purpose. They are less likely to feel engaged with the world and feel worthless. Without someone to talk to regularly about both important topical matters and mindless chatter, it can have a great effect on someone’s mindset. This can lead them to feel slowly worse in themselves and unmotivated to do everyday, simple tasks. Without motivation they might not want to get up, bathe, get dressed and eat well.

Our companionship care services will ensure they not only have a reason to get up and ready for the day ahead but that they have tasks to do during the day. No matter if this is just watching television or reading a book it will help. We can also take your loved one to social events such as bingo or to a social club and check-in that they are alright.

How will companionship care help?

Our companionship carers can call in however often they are needed. Whether it is someone to pop in twice a week to check on their mental health and wellbeing, have a catch-up over a cup of tea, or help them get to a social event, they are here to help. They will be there to offload any thoughts and worries too; whether these are mental, health-related or to do with aspects in the lives of those around them. They will be there to play board games with and assist with getting up, dressed, and fed. While these might all seem like small tasks, they will make a huge difference to the loved one in question.

These all highlight the importance of companionship care and just how it can help your loved one today. If you are looking for companionship care in Wolverhampton, the West Midlands, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help. We offer live-in care services, 24-hour care, and many other services to help. If you find yourself asking where can I find companionship care near me, then please get in touch.

When the time comes for you to introduce a home carer to your or a loved one’s life, it can feel like a big step. You probably have a lot of questions to ask and things you are thinking about before it happens. It can feel difficult, confusing, or a bit overwhelming, but this is completely normal and to be expected. In order to make it a bit easier for you, we have put together some of the top questions that you might have thought of but don’t know the answers to, or those that you haven’t even thought to ask. Here are our top questions to ask your home carer before they start…

1. Why did you start working in care?

This is a great question to ask your home carer as it helps you to get to know your potential home carer and what their personality is like. After all, if you are going to be accepting someone regularly into your home and to look after you, you want to know you trust them, their personality, and their professionalism. If you know what prompted them to begin their career as a carer, you will find out about their journey and hear stories about what they have done. It is also a great way to get to know them a bit more and find out if they are someone you gel and connect with for your home care.

2. Do you visit me before my home care starts?

You will receive your own dedicated home care plan before your carer starts with you and this will usually be decided following a care assessment process. The person who will be your main carer or a dedicated care manager will come and visit you ahead of time so you can answer any questions (such as in this article) and they can conduct a health and safety risk assessment as well as find out a bit more about you. They will be able to see your living situation, what your condition is like (if you have one), and how you currently go about your day to day life. When your bespoke care plan is created, they will ask questions such as any medications you require, any challenges you face with your daily life such as mobility, hearing or sight, your dietary needs, who else helps with your care, and your lifestyle choices, preferences and beliefs.

3. Will I always have the same carer? How often will I see them?

We know how important it is to have someone that is constant in your life. Someone that can get to know you as a person, your preferences with how you like things done, and knows your routine. If you were to have a myriad of different carers every day not only would this be an inconvenience, but can also be unsettling. Because of this, we try to ensure you have the same couple of carers as much of the time as possible. Sometimes this cannot be the case, for example, if your regular carer is off sick or on holiday, but you should be given a different carer who you have probably met and interacted with before. Remember that it is down to you with how you feel about your carer and if after a few visits you aren’t comfortable with them, you are well within your rights to ask for someone else.

4. What costs are included?

The costs for your home care plan will depend on a number of different factors. The amount you pay can depend on if your local council has carried out a care needs assessment and agreed you are eligible for this, your income, and your savings. The council will do a means test to decide how much you need to pay. If you are self-funding your care, you will need to arrange this yourself. As well as the charges per visit, you will also need to find out where they stand on costs such as mileage for trips if VAT is included and National Insurance for the care worker. You will also need to consider things such as shopping money or petrol money for the carer if they go out to fetch your shopping or other items for you during the day.

5. How can I make it easier for you to help me?

Last on our list of questions to ask your home carer is a simple yet worthwhile question as it will help you both with some clarity on what you need. It will show that you understand there are challenges faced within the role, but you want to make it as easy as possible. They might be able to make some suggestions for you which will make you feel more independent or comfortable. For example, you may feel shy and not want to speak up about certain things in case you offend them, but they might not know they are doing something wrong or not how you like it. If you speak up, this will help them care for you in the way you feel most comfortable, and make them feel happier that they are doing their job properly.

These are some of the most important questions to ask your home carer before having them start in your home. It is a big step for all of those involved and therefore it is important that you feel comfortable. Find out more about our home care services here.

If you are looking for a home care role, we have many vacancies and information which you can find here. Get in touch with us today.

Exercise
Although it is winter exercise can be difficult and with gyms being shut it can become more difficult for individuals to be motivated to exercise. Getting outdoors is a great way to boost your mood. It is essential to keep active to improve your mental health and stimulate your brain. Lack of exercise can result in increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.

Even short periods of exercise such as a 10-minute run, walk, bike ride or gardening can help stimulate your brain. Those that are missing the gym can exercise in the garden using dumbbells and resistance bands which you can purchase off eBay.

Exercise is critical to clear your mind and negative thoughts to boost your mood.

The NHS recommends various home workouts which you can do at home or you can discover some using Youtube.

Set a new target
Due to limited interaction with friends and family because of COVID-19 restrictions setting a new goal or target can be important to help clear your mind. It could be gaining a qualification online, learning a new language, learning new recipes, or losing weight.

It is important to do something out of your comfort zone to keep you focused and motivated to achieve a target/goal.

There is so many beginner and advanced free courses that you find online using through the Open University or using reed.co.uk.

Volunteer opportunities
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. Keeping active can reduce anxiety and stress and you can increase your self-confidence by volunteering. You will get the satisfaction of helping and supporting those in need and it will boost your mood.

There are many opportunities to volunteer to support COVID-19, whether it is business support, working at the test centers or administering vaccines. Visit the NHS website and register your interest in your area if you are interested.

Reach out
During the lockdown, it is difficult to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues, however advanced technology such as video calls is the next best option to help us get through these difficult times and ensure a positive mood. Whether you need someone to talk to or you can support someone, checking someone’s well-being is important to ensure people are feeling good and supporting them during difficult times.

There is a modern technology that you can use over the phone such as Facetime, WhatsApp, Microsoft teams to regularly communicate with your loved ones. Using Apple and Google play store you can download many group team quizzes and have fun as a group.

Daily Routine
Having a daily routine can be very important to keep you occupied, so your brain is active. Having a to do list for each day can be very important, even if is basic such as food plans, shopping times, shower times etc. It is also important to spend time away from electronic devices and allow time to relax, whether that is listening to some music, going for walk, run and doing some exercise.

Healthy Eating
During these difficult times individuals can be distracted to eat junk food, however, it is important to eat healthily and exercise, particularly with Gyms being closed to ensure you are fit and healthy.

There are many foods that you can eat to ensure you have a healthy balanced diet, below is some to consider:

Fruits and vegetables: Oranges (high in vitamin C), Apples (high in fiber), Bananas (high in Vitamin C, B6, and potassium), Broccoli (high in vitamin C), Carrots (high in Vitamin A), Spinach (High in Vitamin A).

Protein: Chicken Breast, Salmon, Tuna, Turkey, Beans, Lentils, Eggs, Tofu, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seeds

Snacks: Hummus and Vegetables, Mixed nuts, Greek yogurt with berries, fruit smoothies

Secure healthcare solutions provide 24-hour care and ensure quality care in the West Midlands. During the lockdown, our healthcare staff interacts with those in care to ensure they remain positive during the lockdown, based on what individuals are comfortable doing.

The Covid pandemic has brought a tumultuous twelve months, turning most things that we knew or took for granted and turning them on their heads. It has been a year unlike anything we have ever experienced before and even once we go back to “normal” it is likely that our values, expectations, and priorities in life will have changed for good.
There is no parallel in our living history of something even on a percentage of the scale of what we are dealing with and it has taken its toll on many. No matter if your career is working from home or in a caring profession such as in 24-hour care, overnight care, emergency care, home care, or in nurse jobs, you will have been impacted. Here are some ways that the Covid pandemic has changed our values.

We are going to be dependant on technology for a long time
Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, Zoom calls were few and far between, with business people traveling all around the world to meet with potential clients or prospects. This has all changed and we now conduct the majority of our major business meetings and conferences from our home, only traveling when strictly necessary.
School children are being taught online lessons and toddlers are being immersed in nursery sessions such as sing-songs and storytimes online. The lines between work and home have never been so blurred and it is important for people to still limit the time spent on screens – for all of the family involved.

It made us re-evaluate our relations and families
Before the pandemic, we were all guilty of taking advantage of the fact that we could go and see our family members whenever we felt like it. We would leave it longer without speaking to them and then pop in for a cup of tea or coffee when we were free. Now we have realized just how much we miss those that are near to us and have adapted how we speak to our friends and families. Regular zoom calls, quizzes, and online games have had us speaking and interacting in new ways. Not being able to go to hospital appointments or see our loved ones if they are ill has been a difficult thing for all of us.

It has changed our views on work and our careers
Being in a lockdown has given us all a chance to really evaluate our life and career choices. While before we might have been happy stuck in a career that we don’t really like, it has given many of us the time to think of what we actually want to be doing. With so much time being spent at home, we have had the opportunity to research new jobs, enroll in online training courses, and apply for new positions. If you have always wanted a job in the care sector, there has never been a better time to do so. You can find out about our career vacancies in domiciliary care, home care, and nurse jobs here.

It has put a spotlight on our health workers
Never has there been so much appreciation for our health workers as right now. This pandemic has been an intense time for those involved in all professions. Whether they work in 24-hour care, overnight care, emergency care, or ventilator care, they have all never been so needed. Carers heading into patients’ homes have had to deal with those that are suffering from both illnesses and loneliness from being apart from their families and loved ones, heading into something they have never dealt with before. The publics’ support for those key workers is something that is sure to stay for a long time and many people value just how excellent the care system in the UK is compared to other countries around the world.

If you are looking to make a real difference or the pandemic has had you re-evaluating your choices and you would like to find a new career or job, we would love to hear from you. We have many positions in 24-hour care, overnight care, emergency care, home care, nurse jobs, and more. Find out our available positions here.

As people’s lives change, support could be needed in order to assist them to live as close to an independent life as possible. This could be at any stage of life, due to a disability, old age, or mental health problems. As a domiciliary care worker, you are there to make a difference in their lives, supporting clients to maintain their quality of life. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we have a range of domiciliary care jobs for you. Whether you are looking to join the career and it is something you have wanted to do for a while, or you just want to find a bit more about what is a domiciliary care worker entails, we have put together the following blog post to make it a bit clearer.

What Is a Domiciliary Care Worker?

As a domiciliary care worker, you will be looking after people’s loved ones in the facility of their own home. You will be there to support them with day to day tasks that they are struggling to complete, due to age or a particular illness. As a domiciliary care worker, you can choose to work nights or days, helping your patients feel independent and able to live a quality life. You should be patient and empathetic to the challenging situations that your client may have. When looking for domiciliary care jobs, ensure you check where it is based and if you will be working days or nights or if there is a choice.

What would day to day duties typically be?

As a domiciliary care worker, your roles will vary depending on the situation of your patients. You are there to help the patient feel at home and will support them with living independently. You’ll be tested on a daily basis and no two days will be the same. It’s important that you use your initiative and are approachable and patient as your client will be asking you to support them with a variety of tasks, these can include:

Supporting them when seeing doctors or nurses
Helping to get them around the house
Supporting them with household tasks
Preparing their daily meals
Supporting with their personal care
Helping them get ready in the evening and to bed
Being there to talk to and give them company

How to get started as a domiciliary care worker?

If you want to become a domiciliary care worker but don’t have any experience, don’t let this stop you. To work in this field, you don’t need to have any previous experience, as long as you have worked in positions that require you to have a similar skillset and certain qualities, you will be considered. Key qualities of domiciliary care duties include punctuality, good communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and always maintaining a high standard of care, hygiene, and organization. If you are considered for the domiciliary care job, introductory training is always provided to help you feel confident in your ability.

What career progression is there for a Domiciliary Care Worker?

There are a variety of positions you can move to once you have been a domiciliary care worker. If you want to study whilst on the job, you can train to be a domiciliary care manager. In this position, you will be in charge of other domiciliary care workers, similar to how your manager will be to you. Alternatively, you could work towards being a care home manager however with this you may need some extra qualifications on top of your domiciliary care management ones.

Where can I find care jobs and health jobs to become a domiciliary?

As a specialist company, we at Secure Healthcare Solutions have a whole array of domiciliary care jobs available within the healthcare profession. If you are looking to become a domiciliary care worker, please get in touch and we will help find you a suitable role, matching your requirements. Find out more about Secure Healthcare Solutions and our available domiciliary care jobs on our website today.