Caring for the elderly in their own home – the benefits of being a professional carer

What is the role of a carer?

As a carer, you can provide life-changing care and companionship and help people stay connected to the things in life that matter most.

You can have many rewarding caring responsibilities as a carer, especially if you choose to work in domiciliary care and support people in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. You’ll make day-to-day tasks easier while providing company and stability in someone’s daily life. This usually includes helping with a wide range of tasks such as cooking, managing a diary, and running errands. Some people may need some level of physical support, like lifting, help to get in and out of chairs, gentle physiotherapy exercises, and going up and down stairs. You can also help with personal care, like daily washing, dressing and helping an older person to look and feel their best.

Further to this, a carer can provide companionship –  being a listening ear for emotional support, having friendly conversations, and keeping a person engaged with social activities in and out of the home, such as visiting relatives and going out for leisure activities such as going to parks, theatre or social groups.

If you’re interested in caring for the elderly in their own homes, there are various types of care roles you can take on. Becoming a visiting care assistant is usually the most flexible option – allowing you to make a difference for a few hours a day, often to a handful of different people. This can work well for people with young children or other commitments – allowing them to fit care around their day-to-day life.

Some older people require a higher level of care, and can’t be left home alone for long periods – particularly if they are unsteady on their feet, need to manage a complex health condition, or become easily confused or forgetful. This creates opportunities for live-in care workers who can provide round-the-clock care and comfort. Often, care professionals will move into a spare room in an older person’s home for a few weeks, before taking a week or two breaks from care. 

When you choose to do this with Elder, you become the heart of care. Caring with Elder means you’re committed to changing lives and helping people keep a good quality of life when they’re older.

At Elder, we offer three different types of care roles:

 Live-in care

You’ll move into your care recipient’s home to offer one-to-one support with their daily care needs and everyday tasks.

• Earn £720 to £875 a week.
• Build your own flexible schedule.
• Short (respite care) and long-term care placements are available.

Hourly care

You’ll provide flexible home visits to your care recipient each week.

• Earn up to £18 per hour.
• Fits around your friends, family and hobbies.
• Available across London and Kent.

Local Authority

You’ll work in various care settings such as care homes, community hospitals and home care.

• Competitive rates.
• Support from in-house teams.
• Food allowance and accommodation provided.