Job Summary
To provide high-quality, person-centred care and support to residents throughout the day, promoting their dignity, privacy, independence, choice and wellbeing. The Day Care Assistant will support residents living with dementia and nursing needs, working closely with senior carers, nurses and other members of the care team.
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesPersonal Care
- Provide compassionate and respectful personal care in accordance with each resident's care plan.
- Assist residents with washing, dressing, grooming, oral care and toileting.
- Provide continence care and change continence products as required.
- Support residents with bathing and showering.
- Assist residents with mobility and transfers in accordance with their moving and handling plans.
- Support residents to maintain their independence and encourage them to do as much as they can for themselves.
- Maintain residents' dignity, privacy and choice at all times.
- Report any changes in skin condition, continence, mobility or general wellbeing.
Dementia Care
- Provide reassurance, encouragement and emotional support to residents living with dementia.
- Communicate with residents in a calm, patient and respectful manner.
- Follow individual dementia care plans and understand each resident's preferences, routines and communication needs.
- Support residents who may become confused, anxious, distressed or agitated.
- Recognise possible triggers for changes in behaviour and report concerns to senior staff.
- Support residents who may wander or become disorientated, following their individual risk assessments.
- Encourage positive social interaction and meaningful engagement.
- Never use restrictive practices unless authorised and documented within the resident's care plan and relevant legal framework.
Nutrition and Hydration
- Assist residents with meals and drinks according to their individual care plans.
- Encourage residents to eat and drink regularly.
- Provide assistance with feeding where required.
- Follow prescribed dietary requirements, food textures and fluid consistencies.
- Monitor residents for signs of choking or difficulty swallowing and report concerns immediately.
- Record food and fluid intake where required.
- Support residents who require nutritional supplements in accordance with their care plan.
- Respect residents' choices and preferences regarding food and drinks.
Activities and Social Engagement
- Encourage residents to participate in activities appropriate to their interests and abilities.
- Support residents to attend group activities, entertainment and events within the home.
- Provide meaningful one-to-one interaction for residents who prefer individual activities.
- Encourage conversation, reminiscence, music, games, reading and other appropriate activities.
- Support residents to maintain relationships with relatives, friends and other residents.
- Encourage residents to spend time in communal areas where appropriate while respecting those who prefer to remain in their rooms.
Safety and Wellbeing
- Carry out regular observations of residents and report any concerns promptly.
- Respond promptly to nurse call bells and requests for assistance.
- Follow individual risk assessments relating to falls, choking, moving and handling, nutrition, pressure damage and other identified risks.
- Ensure residents are appropriately supervised where required.
- Check that walking aids, wheelchairs and other equipment are available and used safely.
- Keep residents' rooms and communal areas safe and free from avoidable hazards.
- Report accidents, incidents, injuries and safeguarding concerns immediately.
- Follow emergency, fire and evacuation procedures.
Nursing and Clinical Support
- Work alongside nurses and senior care staff to support residents with identified nursing needs.
- Observe residents for changes in their physical or mental condition.
- Report concerns such as pain, breathing difficulties, changes in consciousness, increased confusion, changes in mobility, skin problems or reduced appetite.
- Support residents before and after appointments or visits from healthcare professionals.
- Assist with care tasks only where appropriately trained and authorised.
- Follow individual care plans and instructions provided by nursing staff.
Documentation and Record Keeping
- Complete care records accurately and in a timely manner.
- Record personal care, continence care, repositioning, nutrition, hydration and other care provided.
- Record and report accidents, incidents and changes in residents' condition.
- Ensure all documentation is completed in accordance with the home's policies and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality of residents' personal and health information.
Communication and Teamwork
- Work effectively with nurses, senior carers, care assistants, activities staff, domestic staff and other professionals.
- Attend and contribute to handovers where required.
- Communicate important information about residents promptly to the Nurse in Charge or Senior Carer.
- Develop positive and professional relationships with residents and their families.
- Listen to residents and advocate for their needs and preferences where appropriate.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
Infection Prevention and Control
- Follow the home's infection prevention and control procedures.
- Use appropriate PPE when required.
- Follow correct hand hygiene procedures.
- Dispose of clinical and personal care waste safely.
- Maintain a clean and safe environment when providing care.
- Report infection control concerns to senior staff.
Moving and Handling
- Follow each resident's individual moving and handling assessment.
- Use hoists, slings, slide sheets, standing aids and other equipment only when trained and assessed as competent.
- Ensure equipment is checked and used safely.
- Never attempt to move a resident using unsafe techniques.
- Report changes in a resident's mobility or ability to transfer.
Essential Skills and Qualities
- Caring, compassionate and respectful approach.
- Patient and understanding attitude towards people living with dementia.
- Good communication and listening skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Reliable, punctual and professional.
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Good observation skills.
- Able to maintain accurate records.
- Respect for confidentiality and residents' privacy.
- Willingness to learn and undertake mandatory training.
- Ability to follow care plans, risk assessments and instructions from senior staff.
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
- Previous experience working in a care home, nursing home, hospital or domiciliary care setting.
- Experience supporting people living with dementia.
- Care Certificate or relevant care qualification.
- Moving and handling training.
- Safeguarding training.
- Infection prevention and control training.
- Basic understanding of health and safety procedures.
Key Responsibilities
The Day Care Assistant is responsible for providing safe, respectful and person-centred care throughout the day, supporting residents with their personal care, nutrition, mobility, activities and emotional wellbeing while promoting independence and dignity.
The post holder must promptly report any concerns about a resident's health, safety, behaviour or wellbeing to the appropriate senior member of staff.
Join us to become part of a dedicated team. This role offers an enriching environment where your enthusiasm can truly make a difference. We believe in supporting our staff through ongoing training and development opportunities.
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Paid training
Experience:
- Care home: 1 year (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
