care assistant

housekeeper

server

hospitality team member

healthcare assistant

Northcare-Scotland

The care home in itself is absolutely immaculate, beautiful and spacious. However, there is alot of gossip and tension between staff and if you’re not in with their “group” you might as-well leave. 
The opposing teams blame each other for EVERYTHING, and rather than working as a team they look for things to pick out at. The management is atrocious, they care more about the appearance of the place rather than the residents themselves, it is extremely short staffed all the time, the manager puts set teams on set floors and never moves them, there are carers who have worked there for months and only know a quarter of the residents in the home, but when it’s short staffed the staff are moved around- leading to a stressful shift as they don’t know the floor, so it’s like being a carer down. Hospitality and Housekeeping departments are very friendly and very helpful. The nightshift and dayshift staff have a vendetta against each other and blame each other for everything. The nurses are lovely but there are a few that are just plain rude and nasty and if they don’t like you they’ll make it very obvious, leading to an awkward tension in the air. Because of the reasons I’ve listed above, staff turnover isn’t great, and it’s difficult to get staff as the manager thinks we are quite capable of running such a high demand floor with such a low number of staff, when we have tried to ask for help at staff meetings etc- it’s just brushed to the side, however if we can’t meet our expectations with such a low number of staff it’s the end of the world. Unlike every other care home I’ve worked in, Northcare does 13 hour shifts, with a shift pattern where you do 6 shifts in 1 week with only a day off, they don’t provide meals at all even though it’s a long day, however they do give you soup (that gets boring after the first week, and partially cheeky when your expected to do so much and work so long.)

Working at Northcare has been such a great experience so far. I work as a care assistant, mainly in the dementia unit. Every day is different, and there's always something new to learn. The role involves supporting our residents with their daily needs, providing comfort, and ensuring they feel safe and cared for.

Although I’d never done care work before, I’ve always been a naturally compassionate and patient person, so this role felt like a perfect fit for me. I’ve learnt so much since starting at Northcare, including how important teamwork is in making sure we provide the best care for our residents, and I’ve found the experience incredibly rewarding so far.

The hardest part of the job is seeing our residents cope with severe health conditions, which can be emotionally challenging at times. However, knowing that I’m making a difference and helping to improve their comfort and quality of life makes it all worthwhile.

The most enjoyable part of the job is spending time with the residents, getting to know their personalities and stories, and seeing them smile. It’s a privilege to be part of their daily lives.

Another great aspect of the job is the work–life balance. The shift pattern gives me full-time hours but plenty of days off to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. It feels like the perfect balance between work and personal life.

Overall, I’m thoroughly enjoying working for Northcare. It’s a meaningful and fulfilling job, and I’m proud to be part of the team.

Working as a care assistant in The Balmoral by Northcare has been one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever had. What I enjoy most about my job is knowing that I’m making a real difference in someone’s day, every day. Whether it’s helping a resident with their morning routine or simply sitting with them for a chat, the little moments often have the biggest impact and it’s a privilege to be part of that.

One of my favorite parts of the workplace culture is the sense of teamwork and support among the staff. We look out for each other, share ideas, and celebrate each other’s successes. There’s a genuine sense of purpose and camaraderie that makes coming to work something to look forward to.

Over time, I’ve grown so much professionally. I’ve built up my confidence, improved my communication skills, and learned how to provide compassionate, person centred care even in challenging situations. The training and guidance I’ve received have given me the tools to keep developing, and I feel proud of the progress I’ve made.

Most importantly, the relationships I’ve formed with the residents are the heart of why I love what I do. Getting to know them, their stories, their personalities, their preferences, brings so much joy to my day. There’s a deep mutual respect and trust that builds over time, and those connections make every shift meaningful.

Being a care assistant is not always easy, but it is always worth it. I leave each day knowing I’ve done something important, and that’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything.

firstly, I was hired at barely 16 years old-

I attended one lovely training session at a main headquarters of this company and was absolutely thrilled at what I was learning and how much the company cared about its residents. 

I received no more training sessions so barely knew anything- and then I started my job. From 8 am in the morning to 9 pm all of the staff were gossiping about each other. My shift was 13 hours long and I wasn’t “allowed” to have a break since there were chairs in the main hall- so if we were sitting on the chair while completing paperwork (which was usually paperwork for every single resident morning noon and evening) whilst also looking out for the residence and caring for them since we had about 20 to 30 with only four staff members usually- that was considered our break. While we were still working.
No one ever made anything clear to me I expressed my discomfort and how young I was and how I wasn’t comfortable doing certain tasks alone having only received one training session and was laughed at.
There was also huge problems with processing my paperwork which I found out multiple other employees had gone through which resulted in me getting paid late.
I would overhear other employees saying some really nasty things about other employees or elderly residents, I would find residents that had soiled themselves and hadn’t been looked after or checked on for hours, or even given any attention or proper care.
So heartbreaking working for this company.

Really not that great, yes they like to make the place look good but that all. Staff a made to feel they cant do anything right. Made to feel they need to work extra hours so they dont need to get bank or agency staff. If staff were treated better am sure they woukd happily help. Staff i work with are great but its higher up thats the problem. Seems to be the case if you want promoted you need to make alot off mistakes, then suck up to owners for few years to make yourself look good. Also need to be part of a  group that help each other out but will throw everyone under bus to make themselves look good. The demand on staff is rediculous. Told about mandatory training sometimes a few days before and expected to go otherwise you might not be allowed to work as its essential. Even if your on annual leave or have other things planned. Hope no one takes ill like your mum, dad or kids or your screwed if you need time off or even compationate leave. Regular staff meeting were nothing is ever changed. Instead if any suggestions made your shotdown right away or even made fun off. Seen staff having to go into linen cupboards to cry and pull themselves together due to the way management speaks to everyone. Yes they pay well but not worth the greif and workload they keep increasing.

This company heavily relies on recruiting young people from 18 to early 20s so if this is you or you have no experience in care, do not apply. 

I had never worked in care before and only got 3 days of 'training' which just consisted of shadowing an incredibly worn out, exhausted, overworked mentor. Everyone is overworked, the hours are horrific, the shift pattern is horrific. Despite the management teams motto being "my door is always open", there is no support.

 A typical day at work includes understaffing. It is chronic so expect to be assisting 10-15 residents with just one other person. You are also held to an incredibly high standard whilst not having the time, resources or energy to complete every task that you should. 

The hardest part of this job is the lack of management. Mental health is not a concern to management, neither is your physical health.  If you are injured at work, there is no compensation, there is also no sick pay either so if you are ill or injured or need time off for yourself, you aren't getting it unless you want to forego your 

Where do I begin? I'm 52 years old and have worked in many places throughout my life, but this is truly one of the jobs I have loved the most. I never expected to find such fulfillment in a care home, especially since my background has mostly been in restaurants.

As a Latina, I have never experienced any form of discrimination here, even though my English isn't perfect. On the contrary, I have been supported and helped every step of the way. From day one, I felt welcomed. The owners are some of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever met. The management team is exceptional; they genuinely care about the well-being of the staff and are incredibly professional. My colleagues are all dedicated professionals who create a supportive environment.

The work atmosphere is warm and inviting. The decor and overall environment are lovely, making it a wonderful place to work. Don’t just take my word for it; if you’re looking for a job in caregiving or nursing, discover it for yourself! I assure you, you will love working here.

I have been employed by Northcare on 2 separate occasions and worked at many sites.  I am so surprised by the reviews on here, to me, it feels like the reviews are for a different employer? The directors are second to none, they know all the staff, and residents (including their families) and are always keen to listen to any ideas that the staff team have.  I have worked under various managers during my time with Northcare and have always found them approachable, understanding and kind.  Whilst working for the company I had a close family bereavement, and the support from managers / directors was fantastic, nothing was too much bother, both my manager and one of the directors attended the funeral which was a lovely touch.  I had to leave, due to ill health, but would love to return one day if my health allows.  The training I have received over the years has been outstanding.  If only more care providers were like Northcare.  Cannot recommend this company enough.  If any of my family required care, it would be a northcare home for me, the clients want for nothing.

I joined Northcare Residences, Stirling, at the beginning of the month so this review comes from fresh eyes. Having worked both in Hospitality and Care in the past I can say with confidence that almost NO placement/role in these sectors is easy. You need to care, and have dedication, to what you are doing to get any satisfaction from it...or put more simply 'You get out what you put in'. That's exactly what I have experienced, and witnessed , in my time here. It's a 12 to 13 hour shift where you are moving almost non-stop in order to provide a quality of care and service to the residents who live where you work. For my part, anytime my actions help to bring a smile to one of the residents faces then I feel as though I have accomplished something that day. When I feel as though I am having difficulty completing a task I find that there are people around who are more than happy to help out, and I try to give the same in return. I find the shift patterns give a great balance to your week between work and play, and I am fortunate that I live close enough that I get home and still have time to relax in the evenings.

I have worked for northcare for 5 years. They are a very professional company that puts there residents intrest, needs and safety first. Nothing is too much for the residents. The directors are always looking at ways to better the living environments by modernising the living spaces. As an employee i have always felt supported from everyone. The carers are the heart and soul
 off the company and always give there best. Seniors carers and nursing staff go above and beyond. The training that is provided is outstanding. This company looks to get the best out off there staff and make tgem relise there potential. There is chances to progress. Alot off thought has gone into the care plans. All the Glasgow and east kilbride homes are close to each other and work similar to each other. I have worked in them all over the years. You work the same shift pattern every 2 weeks. Overall a great company to work for, higly recommended.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Care assistant 72 salaries reported	£13.06 per hour
Housekeeper 23 salaries reported	£13.39 per hour
Server 4 salaries reported	£13.90 per hour
Hospitality team member 20 salaries reported	£13.97 per hour
Healthcare assistant 2 salaries reported	£13.25 per hour

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