Working as an elderly carer is very rewarding, because with your commitment and support, you make an older person's life better. Taking care of another person requires having certain predispositions and appropriate character traits. Elderly people in addition to assistance in carrying out physical activities, they also need mental support. Empathy, understanding and patience are indispensable qualities of a good caregiver. It is a demanding and responsible job, but at the same time it gives the caregiver a great sense of accomplishment. What does the job of a carer for the elderly look like and what are her tasks??

work for elderly carers in ireland - what it looks like?

What are the main tasks of the babysitter?

Caring for an elderly person is a demanding and very responsible job. Of course, a lot depends on the health of the student / ward, however, most tasks are repetitive and fall within some general pattern. The most important duties include: 

  • Taking care of personal hygiene. Here a lot depends on it, the condition of the senior. If his condition prevents him from getting up and moving, the babysitter has to wash it, perform all hygiene measures and dress in bed. The duties also include assistance in all physiological activities. If the mentee is still quite independent, the help is then limited to assisting in bathing and getting dressed, however, most of the task is performed by the mentee himself.
  • Preparing meals. The babysitter is responsible for preparing breakfasts, dinners, dinner and other meals, if it is necessary. It often happens, that the senior has a prescribed diet. Follow these guidelines and serve meals according to the guidelines. It is also important to properly compose your diet. It must be healthy and rich in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the babysitter must see to it, that the senior would consume the right amount of calories and take the right amount of fluids.
  • Shopping. Supply the senior with all medications, products needed to prepare meals, cleaning products and personal hygiene products.
  • Household duties. These include activities such as washing and ironing clothes, vacuuming, floor cleaning, cleaning the toilet and bathroom, taking out the trash, washing dishes, as well as caring for the animal (feeding, getting out).
  • Taking care of matters at the post office or office. If the health of the senior is good enough, that he can take care of his own affairs, then enough, that the babysitter will take him to the place or will assist him in the activities. However, if it is unable to move, you have to get these things done on his behalf.
  • Medical visits. This applies to both taking the senior to the doctor, as well as remembering about dates and making new appointments.
  • Help in moving around the house. Sometimes the state of a senior will require constant help and support in moving around the house.
  • Taking care of your well-being. The caregiver has to take care not only of physical health, but also about mental. It is important to, to spend time with an elderly person, speak, listen to his problems, provide a nice time and entertainment.

The responsibilities of the guardian set out above may vary, depending on the situation of a given mentee, so his condition and this, or outside the main tutor, someone else is helping the senior. Some of the above duties are sometimes performed by the charge's family or additional caregivers / nurses, who visit the student / ward.

How to get a job as a carer for the elderly?

Working as a carer for an elderly person in Ireland it is definitely an interesting experience, because of getting to know a new culture and the opportunity to see the beautiful, green landscapes. It is not without reason that Ireland is called "the green island". And how to get a job as a babysitter? Currently, there are many agencies for elderly carers on the market, who recruit people for this position. Such institutions offer ready-made offers, for which you can apply.

It is not difficult to find a job for carers of the elderly nowadays. It is a job, which you will need all the time, because people are constantly aging and often their condition does not allow them to live independently. Although it is hard work, however, many people choose it. Perhaps this is due to high earnings, or job satisfaction. The carer of the elderly can certainly expect this.