Health Care Assistant or Carer

Job Summary

As a Health Care Assistant in a residential elderly care home, you will provide compassionate, person-cantered support to elderly residents, many of whom may have complex care needs, mobility issues, or dementia. Your responsibilities include assisting with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting), supporting residents with meals and hydration, helping with mobility and daily activities, and always promoting independence and dignity. You will also help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment and work closely with nurses, senior carers, and families to ensure the highest standard of care.

This role requires empathy, patience, good communication skills, and a genuine commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults.

Working Hours

Staff must be flexible to work across all days (Monday to Sunday). Able to work both day and night shift as per Rota requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Personal Care & Support
  • Assist residents with personal hygiene including washing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and oral care.
  • Encourage and support residents to have a bath at least once a week, ensuring privacy and dignity.
  • Support safe mobility and transfers using hoists, wheelchairs, or walking aids as needed.
  • Provide at least 30 minutes of one-to-one quality time per resident each day, tailored to their preferences.
  • Treat each resident with care, love, and respect, promoting dignity and individual choice in all interactions.
• Monitoring, Documentation & Communication
  • Monitor and promptly report any changes in residents’ physical, mental, or emotional condition.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of care provided and changes in residents’ needs.
  • Care plans must be regularly updated in line with changes and must be read and understood by all staff to ensure personalised care delivery.
  • Record feedback from residents\’ families and external professionals at least monthly and take appropriate actions.
  • Ensure residents take prescribed medication as directed and maintain 100% accurate records.
• Nutrition & Mealtime Support
  • Support meal preparation, assist residents with eating and drinking, and ensure all dietary needs are met.
  • Encourage residents to use the dining room during all mealtimes for a social and engaging environment.
  • All staff are encouraged to use the dining room at meal times to help create a homely, community-focused atmosphere.
  • Ensure the kitchen and dining areas are clean and tidy after every use and every mealtime.
• Activities & Mental Wellbeing
  • Use the activity book to ensure a variety of daily stimulation activities are planned, delivered, and recorded.
  • Encourage and support residents to participate in games, conversation, music, arts, and exercise.
  • Encourage residents to go out for walks or spend time outdoors, weather permitting, to support physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Housekeeping & Home Environment
  • Complete general cleaning, laundry, and tidying tasks to ensure the home is hygienic, clean, and welcoming.
  • Respond to any spills, accidents, or uncleanliness immediately to maintain hygiene and dignity.
  • Keep bathrooms and toilets clean, fresh, and in good condition at all times.
  • Carry out walk-around safety checks every 15 minutes to ensure residents are safe, accounted for, and comfortable.
  • Maintain the garden and outdoor areas to ensure they are tidy, safe, and enjoyable for residents.
  • Pull out bins on collection days and return them promptly.
  • Support gardening, cooking, or additional domestic duties as needed.
• Teamwork & Professional Conduct
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues and cover shifts when needed due to sickness, annual leave, or emergencies.
  • Attend all required training and meetings, and ensure training is completed and refreshed on time.
  • Staff must request additional training or support if they feel unsure or not competent in any task.
  • Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations.
  • Ensure all staff take their designated breaks, as they are essential for staff wellbeing.
  • Mobile phones are not permitted on shift, except when taking authorised photos of residents.
  • Report any maintenance issues, hazards, or risks to the manager immediately.

Requirements

• A kind, respectful, and empathetic approach to elderly care
• Ability to communicate clearly and work well in a team
• Physically able to assist with mobility, transfers, and personal care
• Willingness to complete all training and request support when needed
• Strong attention to detail in care documentation and health & safety practices
• Flexible and adaptable to assist in all aspects of daily care home operations
• Previous experience in a care setting (desirable but not essential)