Care assistants are an essential part of many people's lives. Without these healthcare sector workers, many individuals would be unable to live independently or in their own homes. Studies show that when someone who is elderly or sick, injured or living with a disability is cared for at home and has access to friends and family, their health, happiness and sense of purpose is highest.

However, it takes a special kind of person to be a Health Care Assistant. Not everyone is cut out for the job, but for those who are, the role can be rewarding and fulfilling. Keep reading to see if a career as a Health Care Assistant is the ideal choice for you.

What do Health Care Assistants do?

This depends largely on the client and care assistant's own working arrangement. Many care assistants work in domiciliary care facilities or in residential homes, but many more work with individual clients in their homes. There are part-time, full-time, and live-in arrangements along with temporary, respite, semi-permanent and permanent roles.

A Health Care Assistant might work part-time with elderly clients who need help with very basic requirements, such as dressing, washing, using the toilet and cooking. They might also work with a young disabled person who needs someone to be available 24 hours a day and needs help with all aspects of life, including shopping, socialising, toileting and getting into bed.

Health Care Assistants Qualities

For those who are interested in social care assistant jobs in the North East, it is first important to ask yourself if you are a right fit for this role. This is very much a people-person job and it suits those who are outgoing and sociable and who like to talk and stay busy. If it is a live-in role, you might find yourself with a lot of free time when your client is occupied and you are free to watch TV or pick up a book.

Many people from all walks of life come into health care assistant work. Perhaps you have a background in nursing or childcare, or perhaps you've been working in an office and now know that kind of lifestyle is not for you. Most importantly, you should be someone who is in good health and is physically able to help someone less able and who feels capable of carrying out personal care.

Every Day Is Different

Perhaps the best way to describe what being a Health Care Assistant is like is to say that every day is different. There will be periods of time when the job is very demanding and rushed if time is short, and there will be days when you and your client can go out for a walk or to visit their friends.

As a health care assistant, you will be helping someone to live a full and independent life while working in a fulfilling role yourself. If you like people and enjoy doing something different each day, this type of role could be perfect for you.