The role of a Care Assistant

Duties may vary depending on the needs of the individual. Care Assistants are responsible for the individuals' overall comfort and wellbeing and help people who need care and support to live as independently as possible. Duties can include:

• Assisting and enabling;
• washing and dressing;
• taking food and refreshment;
• mobility;
• toileting;
• bed making;
• providing interest and activities to stimulate and engage the service user;
• monitoring individuals’ conditions by taking temperature, pulse, respiration and weight;
• contributing to record keeping.

Care workers work as part of a larger team and are supervised by a manager or senior care worker. They can work in a residential care home, domiciliary care, or out in the community. Their work is defined by a care plan, which is usually developed by a social worker or care manager to meet the assessed needs of the person requiring care or support.