Being a Carers Support Worker

Replies

By Tricia

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Mon 22 Jun 2009 11:57

Hello Ryan

It really depends upon who you are supporting to be able to suggest in ways of what you will be expected to put into it.

Training will be one of the key issues no matter who you are supporting; even if you have been caring for someone as an unpaid carer yourself with similar needs to the person your about to care for. Should it be someone with challenging behaviour or someone with phsyical needs they all need some forms of traning. Many support workers are expected to achieve NVQ's so training is an ongoing thing

My son has a support worker who takes him out for 8 hours outreach per month. One of the most important things which I expect from her is to listen to my son and act upon his requests within reason.

I am sure they will be plenty of other carers on the board who will be able to give their opinons.

Good luck in your line of work and hope you find it a rewarding experience for many years to come.

By Ryan

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Mon 22 Jun 2009 12:05

I think one of the reasons I'm on a good footing IS my training. There seems to be a large deficit in carers support training. I'm taking into the role a Degree in Youth and Community Work with specialisms in working with challenging groups, mental health and diversity.

I know I'll find it rewarding as I owe a lot of people and society a lot for helping me out.

The carers on the board worries me there is virtually no service within the area it is something I'm looking to build up (one of the reasons I'm here is to garner support for having carers involved)

And I hope I'm a good listener, its something thats come out wherever ive worked and volunteered, what i worry about is becoming too much a part of a system and becoming less human which is one of the reasons for having carers / cared for involved

By fenlander

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Mon 22 Jun 2009 22:24

Yes I think that will be your biggest problem Ryan especially if the constraints imposed by your employer disempower you from responding in a humane way to the people you support. Am slightly confused - do you mean you will be supporting carers themselves or the people they care for, in what capacity, employed by whom and as a job in itself or is this as part of a wider initiative???????

By jennifer

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Mon 22 Jun 2009 22:46

Good luck Ryan,I hope the system does not stop you from doing a good job.

By carolm

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Sat 27 Jun 2009 15:13

I think I've got one! We have a brilliant chap who comes once a week to sit with my husband and look after him while I go off and do something else. He comes from Crossroads (not the motel!) and it's superb. They get on really well and he will do anything I would do for Andy - best one was when I got them to cook the dinner between them!

By fenlander

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Sat 27 Jun 2009 17:03

Would be interested to hear more from you Ryan?

By kerry.

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Sat 27 Jun 2009 18:32

My boys have carers who take them out Ryan. Is this what you mean?
Or are you actually supporting the carer by working with them?

By SusanG

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Sun 28 Jun 2009 22:55

Good luck Ryan, I am sure you will be a wonderful support worker. I have a fantastic carers support worker who I would have been lost without, she stretches herself between 3 doctor's surgeries and only does 3 days a week but somehow she doesn't neglect anyone and is a mine of information. She writes letters on behalf of her carers, accompanies them to places such as doctors, hospitals but even banks, housing departments, shops, ds offices and often acts on behalf of the carer. She will fight their corner in any way she can and even runs a support group on her day off for carers. She is calm, flexible, understanding and open to leaning new areas of the "job" all the time, we are very lucky to have her. I hope you are successful Ryan and have carers saying this of you in the future, all the best you are entering a very worthwhile role,
Sue

By summertime

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Sat 4 Jul 2009 00:25

With kindness and humour I need miracles.
Ok You dont have to die in role, be mauled or an acrobat, a Jesuit or be nailed or shat on. But be there as an enabler and have practical solutions Oh and the ability to listen. You will be a privileged witness to some heavy tribulation and be sure you will always be out of your depth.
But If your a social worker you will already know all this.???
What else ho yes and remember your clients don't have a career move to look forward to. Having said all that good luck. I wish you well.

By fenlander

Re: Being a Carers Support Worker
Sat 4 Jul 2009 11:06

That is so succinctly and beautifully put Summertime - "worried about isolation" you say but it clearly focusses the mind to the essence and meaning of our existence! Well done mate.