Senior care worker - overview

What does a senior care worker do?

As a senior care worker, you might work in a variety of roles, ranging from delivering specialist care yourself to organising the activity of other staff and dealing with incidents that arise. You might work across care homes, health facilities or around the community.

As a senior care worker, you’ll typically manage a team of care assistants including recruiting and training new staff. You’ll also be the link to service managers and attend team meetings. You’ll write care plans and use your excellent communication skills to update families on their relative’s progress. You’ll enjoy using your organisational skills to deliver improved care outcomes.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

• Supporting service users with daily activities like letter writing, paying bills, collecting benefits
• Coordinating with professional staff to carry out care plans etc.
• Undertaking light cleaning and domestic duties including meal preparation
• Creating interest and activities to engage clients
• Serving meals to clients and assisting with feeding if needed
• Helping service users to dress, undress, wash, use the toilet etc.
• Taking responsibility for the shift and for the service while on duty
• Overseeing and monitoring care workers and home carers
• Responding to emergencies and providing guidance and support to care workers

FAQs

How much can you earn as a senior care worker?

The average salary for a senior care worker in the UK is £18,720.

Does a senior care worker role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

A senior care worker role usually involves travel to clients' homes, adult care homes and sometimes to National Health Service (NHS) or private hospitals. It doesn’t typically involve overseas travel.

Can you work from home as a senior care worker?

Senior care workers may complete administrative or management activities from home, but usually work at a facility providing care to patients or residents.