Senior care worker

As a senior care worker, you could:

• develop and review client care plans
•  monitor patients' vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate
•  complete patient medication records
•  create and lead activities for care service users
•  speak with families about their relative's progress
•  supervise care workers and train and mentor new starters
•  provide emergency cover
•  attend team meetings with healthcare professionals and service managers

• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to motivate and manage staff
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directy

With experience and training you could specialise in particular areas like:

• dementia care
•  stroke rehabilitation
•  support for people with learning disabilities

You might progress to become:

• an assistant healthcare practitioner
•  a deputy service manager
•  a care home manager

You may also wish to go on to train as a nurse or move into social care training in a further education college.