Healthcare Assistant in St Albans

You will work with all types of residents receiving direct care. Your duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the resident but can include:

• Ensuring the highest possible levels of care are maintained by supporting/assisting residents, when required, with washing, toileting, dressing, undressing, and all other aspects of daily living.
• Assisting residents in all aspects of their care needs e.g. physical, emotional and spiritual.
• Providing attention when needed, whilst ensuring residents retain their comfort and dignity.
• Paying particular attention to assisting residents who have limited mobility, or physical difficulties, making the best use of aids provided.
• Closely monitoring residents who may be confused.
• Assisting in the promotion of continence.
• Assisting in the delivery of care for residents who are dying or who have a progressive illness.
• Assisting with Last Offices.
• Observing care planning needs for residents and completing daily records as instructed and in line with the company’s policies and procedures.
• Assisting in the framework of social activities by interacting with residents and helping them continue with hobbies and activities in the Home.
• Answering the nurse call system and giving assistance as required.
• Answering the door and telephone appropriately, responding accordingly, and passing on messages promptly.
• Under the supervision and guidance of senior care staff, reporting on the well-being of residents.
• Carrying out regular checks on residents at intervals determined by senior staff members.
• Making visitors feel welcome.
• Providing refreshments/assistance as and when required.
• Making and changing beds if required, ensuring that rooms are clean and tidy, and commodes are empty.
• Ensuring the home’s resources are used appropriately.
• Cleaning and maintaining equipment used by residents/relatives e.g. wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles etc.
• Ensuring the Home is kept clean and tidy, in line with the company’s attention to detail philosophy.
• If applicable, care for residents’ clothing and rooms as named, and ensuring that all clothing is recorded and clearly marked.
• Ensuring full privacy and dignity is maintained for the dying and the bereaved, in line with the company’s policies and procedures.
• Assisting residents who need help during meal times and awareness of any swallowing difficulties, dietary requirements etc.
• Assisting with serving of food and drinks as requested/required.
• Washing up as requested/required.
• Escorting residents travelling to and from the Home e.g. on social outings, hospital visits etc.
• Practising maximum integrity in all dealings with residents' personal and financial affairs, and avoiding abuse of the privileged relationship that exists with residents.
• You must remain vigilant of changes to a person’s condition and alert nursing staff if you feel there has been a change in a person’s condition - dynamic assessment of moving and handling and care plans is needed.
• You must stop if you are not sure and ask for help/report concern or to request an urgent review by nurse.
• Participating in staff and resident meetings as and when required.
• Undertaking and completing all mandatory training and development: Maintaining professional knowledge and competence.
• Attending mandatory training days/courses, on or off site, as and when required.
• Participating in relevant N/SVQ training to achieve required qualifications.
• Take ownership of your own competencies - ensuring you work with the team to develop your level of competence and have this recorded on the competency document.
• Reporting immediately to the home manager, or person in charge, any illness of an infectious nature or accident incurred by a resident, colleague, self or another.
• Understanding and ensuring the implementation of the home’s health and safety, infection control and hygiene policies, and emergency and fire procedures.
• Reporting to the home manager, or the maintenance person, any faulty appliances, damaged furniture, equipment or any potential hazard.
• Promoting safe working practice within the Home.