Home carers explained
A home carer provides flexible care at home to an individual or couple for varying lengths of time, helping out with daily housekeeping tasks and personal support to assist with independent living, meal preparation and running errands.
Home carers duties often include:
- Personal care
- Mobility support
- Completing household duties
- Collecting shopping and preparing meals
- General companionship
Private carers have a duty of care to all of the people they look after, whether it’s just one person who has live-in care or if they visit a number of different individuals in the community. Home carers from Helping Hands will always put the person they are caring for first and spend time getting to know them and their preferences. It’s about promoting independence and assisting someone, rather than taking over and doing everything for them, especially if they are still able to do things for themsleves.
What are the duties of a home carer?
The duties of a home carer can be anything from daily visits to check that an elderly customer is sage and well and prepare their lunch, all the way up to round-the-clock live-in care. Their duties consist of both practical and emotional support, with the ultimate aim of enabling their customer to thrive at home and live well with any health conditions they may have.
As well as helping with the practicalities, carers are also there as a friendly face that you can rely upon and get to know. They’ll be happy to share a cup of tea with you whilst watching your favourite TV program. Our home carers can even accompany you on holiday if your care needs mean that you need regular support whilst you’re away. Not only will they travel with you, but they’ll be there throughout your stay wherever you decide to go. So, if you choose to go with your family or by yourself, you’ll have the constant reassurance that there will be someone there to support you so that you can enjoy a proper break.
What conditions can home carers help with?
All of our carers receive thorough theoretical and practical training to equip them with the knowledge and understanding of a number of different health conditions that they may be required to support with.
Our carers can also support those living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, long-term conditions such as cancer, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, diabetes and arthritis, as well as more complex conditions such as stroke aftercare, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
There are different levels of support that our home carers can assist with, starting with running errands and taking you to appointments, to visits throughout the day and sometimes overnight if you become anxious or need support turning over in your bed. We’ll also be there if you start palliative or end-of-life care; we’ll work with all professionals involved in your care plan, yourself and your family to ensure you feel comfortable and safe at home in your final weeks and days.
As well as physical support, we’ll be there if you struggle with your mental health too. So, if you just want someone to visit the local park with or share a slice of cake with at your local café – our carers will be more than happy to do this with you.
I have dealt with a number of care agencies in the past, but have never come across such an outstanding company as Helping Hands…The carers themselves went above and beyond the call of duty, on many occasions, and my Aunt could not have been happier in their company.
Read more here.
Alison, customer's niece in Exeter
What qualities do you look for in a home carer?
Here at Helping Hands, we look for two qualities above all others when searching for carers to join us: empathy and compassion. Regardless of previous care experience, we want to know that our carers truly do care about each and every one of their customers – whether they are a carer in the community or they are caring for a person day in and day out. We are extremely proud of the ethos within our care teams and this is because we only select those with these key qualities.
In addition to their initial assessments, carers undergo regular refresher training and opportunities to specialise in particular areas of interest and undertake advanced training.
Many of our customers describe their home carers as friends or extended members of the family, bringing so much joy and support to their lives. Why not take a look for yourself? Speak to our friendly care specialist team today to find out more.
Call us today to find out more Email usHome Carer FAQ's
Your requirements for a home carer are bespoke to you. We offer care from as little as 30-minute visits to 24-hour care. We can integrate into your daily plans and support you as much or as little as you need.
A home carer can support you with a number of household tasks and care needs, including housekeeping, nursing care, personal care, companionship and much more.
In short, passion and dedication are key qualities for all of our home carers. They will be respectful of your needs and wishes at all times, aiding your independence and becoming more like a friend.
To arrange visits from a home carer, please contact us to discuss your needs. We will get to know you and your requirements on a personal level so that we can develop your package of care and help you to retain your independence at home.