Care Assistant in Gateshead

The Care Assistant will provide high-quality, person-centred care and support to residents within the care home, promoting dignity, independence, choice, and wellbeing at all times. The role involves supporting residents with personal care, daily living activities, emotional wellbeing, and social engagement in line with individual care plans, organisational policies, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist residents with personal care tasks including washing, bathing, dressing, toileting, continence care, oral hygiene, and mobility support.
• Support residents with eating and drinking, including assisting with meals, encouraging hydration, and following any dietary or swallowing guidelines.
• Promote independence by encouraging residents to do as much for themselves as possible.
• Deliver care in accordance with individual care plans, risk assessments, and preferences.
• Respect residents' dignity, privacy, cultural background, beliefs, and personal choices at all times.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with residents and contribute to a safe, supportive, and homely environment.
• Observe, monitor, and accurately report changes in residents' physical or mental health to senior staff.
• Support the safe administration of medication where trained and authorised to do so.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures and maintain a clean, safe environment.
• Safely use equipment such as hoists, slide sheets, and mobility aids in line with training.
• Safeguard residents from harm, abuse, or neglect, and report any concerns promptly in line with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including daily notes, incident reports, and care documentation.
• Adhere to confidentiality and data protection requirements at all times.
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting colleagues to ensure continuity of care.
• Communicate professionally with residents, families, visitors, and healthcare professionals.
• Attend team meetings, supervisions, training sessions, and appraisals as required.

Person Specification

• A caring, compassionate, and respectful approach to supporting older people or adults with care needs.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Willingness to undertake training and work towards relevant care qualifications.
• Previous experience in a care home or health and social care setting (desirable).
• NVQ Level 2 (or willingness to work towards) (desirable).
• Knowledge of person-centred care and safeguarding principles (desirable).