Top Tips for Caregivers in Homecare

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Top Tips for Caregivers in Homecare

Being a care worker means more than just playing an important role in the lives of those being cared for—it is also very rewarding. It involves providing social and health services to elderly people and those with disabilities. This can include helping them with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, general errands and medical issues. There are times when it can be a demanding role, requiring both empathy and technical skill to provide effective support for those who rely on it. To make this responsibility easier, the following top tips for caregivers in homecare will help them provide excellent quality of service as well as allow them to feel supported and capable.

Did You Know?

Figures published today by the CSO from the Irish Health Survey 2019 estimate that 1 in 8 people in Ireland aged over 15 are family carers. 

Set realistic expectations

Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your loved one or client is crucial. It can be challenging to navigate the uncertainty that comes with caregiving, and without proper expectations, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or disappointed. The correct expectations allows everyone to remain happy and this can be done in a number of different ways:

  • Assess your loved one’s or client’s condition and identify their needs. This can include speaking with their doctor or family members. Ask questions: How serious is their illness? What medications are they on?
  • Create a plan of action that takes into account your own capabilities and limitations. How often can you visit? What physical tasks can you perform?
  • Communicate these expectations so you both know what to expect and everyone is clear about how the care will be given. Make time to sit down and discuss everything.
  • Because it is a fast moving industry where safety is vital, continuously upskilling is a must. At Myhomecare, our Care Academy provides a range of courses for those working in this industry. The Care Academy’s focal point is on improving the quality of existing staff by providing upskilling opportunities.

The Care Academy allows those who sign up to work with us the chance to advance their career in healthcare an advantageous starting point.
It guides them and helps them advance in their career aspirations.

The Care Academy and Top Tips for Caregivers in Homecare

Remember that caregiving is a process that requires patience and compassion. By setting realistic expectations and approaching your role with a positive mindset, you can do this in the best possible way.

Establish a support network

Establishing a support network for yourself will provide you with the emotional and practical support you need to navigate the ups and downs of caregiving. Caring for a loved one or client can be fulfilling but it can also be challenging and stressful at times. They are depending on you and there is a lot of responsibility involved in this. At Myhomecare, we ensure everyone feels supported and accommodated which is evident from our client testimonials.

Narrow down the resources that are most relevant to your situation. Your support network can include family members, friends, neighbours, and professionals such as social workers or counselors. Look for resources in the form of support groups, online forums, and educational materials that offer practical advice and emotional support such as the following:

  • The HSE: Provides health services directly and funds voluntary organisations to provide support and services to individuals and their Carers.
  • Care Alliance Ireland: The National Network of Voluntary Organisations supporting Family Carers.
  • Government: Offers a Carer’s Support Grant as an annual payment.

By reaching out to others for help, you can reduce your own stress levels and improve your overall well-being, which in turn can benefit both you and the people you care for. Remember that you are not alone and with the right support, you can navigate through your work with more ease and confidence.

Take time for self-care

It can be easy to lose track of your own needs while focusing on the needs of those you care for. Taking care of yourself is just as necessary as taking care of others as it can be a demanding and emotionally taxing experience. One way to make this happen is by setting aside time each day for personal self-care with the below actions.

  • Take a warm bath with Epsom salts which help to ease muscle pain. Especially effective after a long day of physical activity.
  • Wake up 15 minutes earlier to meditate or do some gentle yoga which can clear your head and prepare you for the day.
  • Read a book to help to relax the mind.
  • Make sure to eat well and get quality sleep so that you can feel at your best and stay healthy.
  • Meet up with friends and remember to stay involved in outside activities such as hiking and sports activities on your days off.

It may be challenging to find the time to take care of yourself, however, prioritising your own needs will ultimately create a better work environment as you will have the energy and mental clarity to give more.

There are a range of benefits while working with Myhomecare. With the option of flexible working hours that suit you and excellent rates of pay, it is a truly fulfilling profession.

Following these top tips will ensure the correct care is given and the process is not so daunting or stressful, but rewarding and enjoyed. This type of career is a one‐of‐a‐kind experience with loved ones and clients receiving the very best of care, in the right place, their home.

Get in touch wit us today to find out more about our support and upskilling courses at The Care Academy.

Myhomecare Ready to Employ, Train and Support 1,000 New Home Care Workers

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Myhomecare Ready to Employ, Train and Support 1,000 New Home Care Workers

Myhomecare Welcomes Minister’s Announcement of 1,000 Non-EU Employment Permits for Home Care Workers

Myhomecare, a nationwide HSE approved supplier of specialised home care, welcomes the announcement of employment permits for 1,000 non-EU home care workers, from Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler. Myhomecare has positions available for all 1,000 new home care workers and is ready to not only employ, but train and support them in their career progression through its Care Academy.  

The Myhomecare Care Academy offers training, career progression support and guidance for aspiring carers, offering the opportunity for those with experience requiring QQI Level 5 accreditation in healthcare, courses to be subsidised. The Care Academy also focuses on improving the quality of new and existing staff by providing upskilling opportunities and allows those who want to advance their career in healthcare an advantageous starting point.

Deirdre Doyle, Myhomecare Operations Lead said:

Making 1,000 Employment Permits available to non-EU home care workers is an exciting development and we are delighted to announce we have the capacity to assist all 1,000 with employment, training and career progression through our Care Academy.

She continued, “Myhomecare has a strong workforce and employing additional homecare workers will further strengthen our Winter Initiative which aims to assist the HSE in their focus on community care and supporting more efficient hospital discharges which in turn, increases hospital bed capacity.”

Speaking on the report of the strategic workforce advisory group on home carers and nursing home healthcare assistants, Minister Mary Butler referred to all care workers, working in home support and long-term residential care for older people, she said that they should receive fair pay and conditions and have the opportunity to progress in their careers.

Myhomecare meets these recommendations referred to by Minister Butler and is one of the highest paying employers within the homecare sector and champions career progression through the Myhomecare Care Academy. 

In response to Minister Butler, Myhomecare’s Deirdre Doyle said:

The Myhomecare Care Academy enables frontline staff to earn a competitive wage ranging from 14 euros to 25 euros an hour. The Academy also offers those same opportunities to those passionate about a career in care and the Myhomecare team will support them every step of the way. We understand how important it is to take care of our carers so they can take care of our clients.

There has always been a particular emphasis on upskilling and career progression within Myhomecare with exceptional ongoing training provided which is further supported by Servisource’s Training department. It is from this strong foundation that the Care Academy has been developed. 

For further information on any of the above, contact our team today!

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way.

Myhomecare Care Academy

The Myhomecare Care Academy is the one-stop shop for aspiring Carers, offering training and career progression support and guidance. The Care Academy also offers the opportunity for those with experience requiring QQI Level 5 accreditation in healthcare courses to be subsidised.

Myhomecare Doubles Workforce with 300 New Healthcare Jobs

Press Release

Myhomecare Doubles Workforce with 300 New Healthcare Jobs

95% of New Roles Will Be Homecare Nurses

Myhomecare is doubling its workforce through the creation of 300 jobs as part of a major recruitment campaign. This campaign was created in recognition of the high level of demand in the home care space, especially this winter.

Established in Dundalk, Louth in 2006 by Servisource Recruitment (part of the CPL Group), Myhomecare currently employs over 220 staff nationwide, which include homecare workers and administrative staff.

Out of the 300 new jobs, over 95% of them will be homecare positions, homecare assistants or homecare nurses, all of which will be flexible carer roles. The campaign will be recruiting for these varied positions across the 26 counties of Ireland.

Pictured L-R: Myhomecare Clinical Nurse Manager Susanne Kelly, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Myhomecare CEO Declan Murphy, Myhomecare Operations Manager Deirdre Doyle

Speaking on Myhomecare’s job creation campaign, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said

“This is an incredible expansion by Myhomecare, doubling its workforce and creating 300 new jobs. These additional homecare nurses and assistants will make a big difference to countless people and families up and down the country, allowing those with additional needs to stay in the comfort of their own home.”

It will of course also take some pressure off of hospitals, by allowing people to return home and be looked after there, rather than in a hospital. Congratulations to the team involved.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar

“From my own previous experience as a healthcare assistant, I understand the impact and responsibility these roles bring. It is such a rewarding career knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of those most vulnerable in our community.”

We are extremely excited to welcome 300 additional healthcare professionals into the Myhomecare family, doubling our existing workforce to over 520 nationwide.

says Myhomecare Operations Manager Deirdre Doyle.

Senator John McGahon endorsed Myhomecare’s campaign saying,

“It is fantastic to see local Louth company Myhomecare creating 300 incredibly valuable jobs across Ireland. Supporting our elderly community in continuing a safe and independent life in their own homes is something we should always strive for and these new roles will certainly assist in achieving this.”
Senator John McGahon

Myhomecare is a HSE recognised national supplier of homecare. Their homecare services have been designed to assist expecting mothers, babies, and young and older adults from birth to retirement and beyond.

Myhomecare are the only home care sector in Ireland that currently holds the International Gold Seal in quality by JCI, joining an exclusive group of 24 Homecare companies globally. This accreditation demonstrates the excellence in service delivery from the Myhomecare team and their dedication to their staff, clients, and their families.

Photo Accreditation to Conor Matthews Photography.

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