If you are considering a career in health and social care, you will come across two common care options: care homes and home care.
Both roles involve supporting people with their daily lives, well-being, and independence. However, the working environment and responsibilities can be different between the two.
Understanding these differences will help you decide the suitable care role that fits your personality.
What Is It Like to Work in a Care Home?
Care home professionals work in a residential care setting. You’ll usually work alongside other care assistants and professionals. You’ll also be supporting several residents during your shifts.
General duties include:
- Personal care tasks such as washing or bathing
- Helping them move or walk
- Cooking and feeding meals
- Providing companionship by socialising with them
- Helping them with daily routines
One of the main benefits of working in a care home is the opportunity to work as part of a team. You get to learn from experienced colleagues and develop on-the-job care skills. Moreover, with enough experience and qualifications, you could get promoted to senior care or management roles in the future.
What Is It Like to Work in Home Care?
Home care, also known as domiciliary care, involves supporting people in their own homes. Instead of working in one location, you will have to travel to different homes throughout the day.
General duties are similar to those in care homes, but in home care, your responsibilities are more flexible and delivered on a one-to-one basis. For example, in addition to helping someone get ready, you might also have to assist your clients in shopping or doing the grocery shopping. It depends on the situation.
One main benefit of home care is that it is not like a traditional 9-5 role and has some flexibility. Additionally, with enough experience, you can even become a self-employed carer where you decide the rates and your own working terms.
Care Home or Home Care: What Is Best For You?
There is no better or worse option. It depends on how you prefer to work.
If you love teamwork, a typical structured working environment, and working in one single location, a care home is the perfect fit for you. However, if you prefer to work independently, one-to-one support, and enjoy a variety of tasks, home care will suit you better.
It is important to note that both roles require you to have an accredited care qualification and personal qualities, such as good communication, compassion, care, and respect.
If you want to enter the care sector, consider Lead Academy’s Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care. It is a comprehensive care course that is accredited by OTHM and is 100% online. It will help you develop core care skills useful across different care settings.
Once you’re qualified and start working in care, it’s important to continue building skills and knowledge for career progression. It is important to always stay updated with the latest regulations and methods in health and social care.
This blog by the government of the UK can be a useful resource if you want to understand how a career in adult social care can develop.
Is It Necessary To Add Other Care Qualifications?
Yes, it is vital that you add short qualifications to your CV to stand out against other competing candidates. Health and social care employers accept a Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care qualification, as it teaches you fundamental care skills that are practised currently.
Having a well-rounded CV indicates to employers that you are serious about your care profession and you are actively pursuing care skills.
Final Words
Care home or home care is neither good nor bad. The right fit depends on your personal preferences. It depends on your personality, preferred working environment, and type of support you enjoy providing.
If you enjoy working in a team, a care home is the right fit. If you prefer to work alone on a one-to-one basis, home care is more suitable for you. Whichever path you choose, it’s important to get qualified in health and social care and continue building more skills and knowledge as you go.
