Care assistant

To be polite and courteous at all times

Key duties and responsibilities

Following assessment of residents, to assist in their care and rehabilitation. This includes

• To help to maintain the dignity, privacy, individuality and confidentiality of the resident at all times.
• To assist with the physical care of the residents with the Care Plan, following the direction and supervision of the Manager/Nurse-in-Charge.
• To help promote mental and physical activities of the residents, through talking to them, encouraging activities such as reading, writing, hobbies and general recreation.
• To assist with getting residents up, washing, dressing/undressing, eating, drinking, toileting and helping residents back to bed, ensuring correct positioning for comfort and good nursing care.
• To bed bath, bath or shower the residents, making appropriate use of hoists and lifting equipment (as stipulated in each resident’s risk assessment).
• To observe and report residents’ changes and any progress in their condition to the Nurse-in-Charge or the Manager.
• To assist residents’ use of the toilet, continence promotion, pressure area care, mouth care, ensuring nails are washed daily.
• To assist residents to walk using mobility aids as appropriate e.g. Zimmer frames, walking sticks or tripods.
• To assist with serving meals and feeding of residents as required.
• To help with recording and maintaining the care of property belonging to the residents.
• To ensure that the home looks clean and tidy. Ensure the rooms are tidy and toiletries are put away. If necessary do light cleaning to maintain standards.
• To refer all queries regarding residents and the home to the Nurse-in-Charge or the Manager.
• To read and understand the policy and procedures folder and participate in the training provided.

General Duties

1. Untoward incidents: to report to the Nurse-in-Charge all untoward incidents occurring with residents, staff or visitors within the home and ensure that they are recorded in the accident book.
2. Reporting for duty: to report to the Nurse-in-Charge when starting and finishing duties.
3. Recording working hours: to be responsible for your own time sheet, handing it in completed at the end of each month. Delayed submission may result in late payment of wages.
4. Fire procedure: to be fully aware of the fire procedure including reading and understanding policy about what to do in the event of a fire. To be aware of the location of fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers and fire exits, ensuring the exits are kept clear at all times.
5. Training: to attend mandatory training sessions such as moving and handling, fire lectures, infection control, food hygiene and other training sessions in the home on a regular basis.