Care Day 2024
February 16th celebrates Care Day and the theme for this year’s Care Day 2024 is: “I am what I choose to become” with a focus on children in care. It’s message is – aim high, dream big, and reach for your goals! An inspiring message for those in care as well as caregivers themselves.
Many families are turning to homecare as a way to provide the best possible support for their loved ones. Homecare is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages who want the comfort and convenience of receiving professional health services in a familiar environment, without sacrificing quality medical attention. There are many benefits for people of all ages, from young children right through to seniors. It is a rewarding profession that provides the ability to remain independent and empowers clients to live with dignity at home in the knowledge that they will receive the best possible care in the right place at the right time.
Paediatric Care with Myhomecare
• At Myhomecare.ie, we understand that there is nothing more important than a child’s wellbeing. Therefore we provide from 2 hours up to 24 hours of Paediatric care.
• We provide premium community care services to children with both special needs and special care requirements throughout Ireland.
• All our nurses are highly qualified in the care of children and receive ongoing training on all new clinical practices and procedures.
• Our caregivers enjoy their roles and remain working with us, so there is a familiar face who knows the specific needs and routines.
Contact Myhomecare today for more information.
The Benefits of Working as a Caregiver
Becoming a social care worker or caregiver offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path, characterised by a profound impact on individuals and communities alike. With a growing emphasis on compassionate and person-centered care, it plays a pivotal role in supporting vulnerable populations, fostering inclusion, and promoting social justice. Working in various settings such as residential care homes, community centers, or domiciliary/homecare, there is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, providing vital assistance with daily tasks, emotional support, and advocacy. It offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, enabling caregivers to enhance their skills and make a tangible difference in the lives of others while contributing positively to society.
- Impactful Relationships: Caregivers have the privilege of forming deep connections with those they assist, fostering trust, companionship, and mutual respect. These relationships often transcend the boundaries of professional care, enriching both the caregiver and the individual receiving care.
- Sense of Purpose: There is immense satisfaction in knowing this work has a meaningful purpose – to enhance the independence, dignity, and comfort of vulnerable individuals. This sense of purpose drives dedication and commitment to the role.
- Contributing to Society: This profession plays an essential role in supporting the most vulnerable members of society, contributing to the overall well-being and inclusivity of communities. Their work not only benefits individuals on a personal level but also contributes to the broader social fabric by promoting empathy and compassion.
- Variety and Challenge: Every day as a caregiver presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether it’s adapting to different care needs, problem-solving in complex situations, or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, caregivers are constantly learning and evolving in their practice.
Myhomecare’s Inspiring Story
Athena Briggs- Homecare Supervisor
“This is my personal story of success through empowerment and how Myhomecare have believed in me, supported me and encouraged me to pursue what I’m born to do and what I have chosen to become– to care for others with compassion, understanding, empathy and a sprinkle of love!
I was a natural caregiver from a young age and helped to look after my younger siblings growing up, taking on a lot of the caring and household responsibilities. I felt like I had found my life’s calling as I was always caring for someone in some way. Once I became a mother and my youngest son had started school, I had to consider myself and my career path as I had put it on hold so many times. I then looked at gaining some qualifications and signed up for my QQI level 5 healthcare support major award which I passed with a Distinction.
I joined the Myhomecare team in September 2021 as a community HCA . This enabled me to manage my family and work life efficiently as I was able to control my own work schedule. I thoroughly enjoyed working with people in their own homes as you got to know them on a more personal level, which really helped when supporting them through the good and bad times. They were always complimenting me on the way I provided their care and it always made my heart feel warm and fuzzy knowing they enjoyed having me in their homes supporting them. That feeling is worth more than any amount of money!
Whilst working with Myhomecare I was acknowledged for my work as a caregiver and received Carer of the Quarter and Carer of the Year awards. But I still felt like something was missing and I could do more and achieve more.
In 2023, the supervisory role was advertised and I decided to go for it. I was successful in getting the role and delighted to be a part of a team of people working together. Myhomecare believed in me, acknowledged my skills and experience and encouraged me to carry on doing what I was good at, giving me more opportunities, teams and tools to allow me to just be me as I naturally am – a caregiver.
My determination and experiences have empowered me to succeed and help others to do the same, especially the individuals I care for. I am thankful that Myhomecare have supported me and given me such amazing opportunities to succeed further in my career.”
The Importance of Homecare
Whether a senior, someone living with a disability, or a busy family in need of support, homecare services can be tailored to meet all individual needs. Personalised care allows the caregiver to understand the unique circumstances of the person they are looking after, and provide for them in the best way possible. This approach to creating care plans goes beyond a person’s surface needs and takes their preferences, cultural background, interests and routines into account. Homecare is not just about keeping someone safe, it is about enhancing the quality of life and helps to remove any feelings of loneliness or isolation.
- Flexibility: Homecare adapts to changing circumstances and evolving needs. Care plans can be modified as the individual’s health status changes, ensuring that they continue to receive appropriate care and support. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with progressive conditions or recovering from surgery or illness.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Providers take cultural and personal preferences into account when delivering care as they become familiar with the individual. This sensitivity to cultural, dietary, and religious considerations can lead to better, individualised care.
- Comprehensive Services: Agencies often offer a wide range of services, including personal care, companionship, medication management, physical therapy, and specialised care for conditions like dementia or diabetes. These services can be combined and customised to address an individual’s specific health and lifestyle requirements.
- Lower Overhead Costs: Homecare agencies do not have the same overhead costs as hospitals or long-term care facilities. They don’t need to maintain large facilities, pay for utilities on a massive scale, or provide round-the-clock staffing in the same way. This results in lower operating costs.
- Reduced Hospital Readmissions: It can help prevent hospital readmissions by providing ongoing monitoring and care management. Hospital readmissions can be expensive, and reducing them can lead to significant cost savings for both patients and the healthcare systems.
- Flexible Scheduling: Care can be scheduled as needed, providing flexibility. This can be more cost-effective than paying for 24/7 care in a facility, especially if the individual only requires assistance for a few hours a day.
Working as a caregiver is a uniquely fulfilling profession that offers a blend of personal satisfaction and professional growth. Homecare forges meaningful relationships with clients, creating a positive impact on individuals’ lives. There’s a profound sense of purpose in this profession where it directly enhances the independence, dignity, and comfort of those in need.
With each day presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth, caregivers navigate diverse care needs with empathy and dedication, this not only improves the well-being of clients but also contributes to the fabric of inclusive and supportive communities.
Interested in a profession as a care worker with Myhomecare?
