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.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2022

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a day that was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution. The team at Myhomecare recognise this as a very important day and how people with disabilities deserve to have their dignity, rights and general well-being met. Servisource are equal opportunities employers and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workplace will better our relationships and services with our clients, our candidates, our communities and one another. We want you to Be You, Be Kind, and Be Proud.

The theme this year is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world”, which aims to bring awareness towards disabilities of all kinds and to promote an understanding of the issues surrounding disability.

Disability can be defined as a mental health, sensory, intellectual or physical condition that restricts a person’s activities, senses or movements. It is important to recognise the unique challenges people living with a disability face on a daily basis.

This year’s theme is based around 3 different topics:

  • Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment:  Linkages between employment, knowledge and skills required to access employment in an innovative, rapidly changing technological landscape to all.
  • Innovation for disability inclusive development in reducing inequality: Innovations, practical tools and good practices to reduce inequalities in both public and private sectors, which are disability inclusive and interested in promoting diversity in the workplace. 
  • Innovation for disability inclusive development: A sector where all of these aspects coalesce; sport as a good practice example and a site of innovation, employment and equity. 

Challenges People with Disabilities Face

Recognising and becoming aware of the challenges facing people with disabilities is the first step in creating an equal society that can cater to their needs in both a work and home environment. These challenges can be social, educational and economic. Let’s have a look at these in more detail.

  • Social Challenges

Social isolation is a huge factor and one of the most severe challenges facing people with disabilities today. Community engagement can be difficult for people with mental impairments which is then exacerbated in rural areas where access to group activities isn’t so accessible. This is why community activities should be in an environment that suits everybody and are as accessible as can be.

  • Educational Challenges

Students or teachers may be faced with a lack of access such as ramps or elevators within an educational setting. Some institutions may not have adequate funding for special needs support and so they struggle with keeping up with their peers. At Myhomecare we provide premium community care services to children with both special needs and special care requirements throughout Ireland which you can see on our brochure.

  • Economic Challenges

People with disabilities also report being paid less than their colleagues despite having similar qualifications. Businesses are encouraged to hire people with disabilities and with matching them to jobs that suit their skill sets. They should have the same opportunities as co-workers and be treated equally within any workforce. At Servisource, we make sure everyone is included and that awareness around disability and inclusivity is spread throughout the company. This means awareness talks are arranged by experts and guest speakers that employees can take part in.

Did You Know?

  • Around 15% of the worlds population live with disabilities
  • An Estimated 286 million of the worlds working-age people have some kind of disability
  • People with disabilities are the world’s largest minority

How Myhomecare Caters to Your Needs and Disabilities

At Myhomecare, tailor-made homecare services are available which enables clients to be looked after in the best possible way that suits their needs because we know that disabilities come in all shapes and forms. We also work with medical practitioners and suppliers to provide a wide range of supportive solutions such as:

  • Home Adaptations
  • Essential Medical Supplies
  • Partnership with your Primary Care Team

Allowing clients to be as independent as possible is what Myhomecare deems extremely important and they want to make life as easy as possible for each individual. Our homecare services include Domestic Home Help, Paediatric Care as well as Palliative Care. You can find out more about our care services here.

Myhomecare has a combined approach to care and technology whereby our caregivers and nurses promote the use of app technology with the following features to provide you or your loved one with the utmost of care. This is why they have partnered with the Isaac Care app, which caters to an array of disabilities. The app offers a range of free features including:

  • Appointment reminders
  • Medication reminders
  • Fall alarm
  • Vitals monitoring

You can find out more about the easy-to-use Isaac Care app and all of its assistive technology features here.

How to Access our Care

We want to make accessing healthcare as easy as possible so here is our 4-step guide

  • Free consultation to assess the nature and level of care needed.
  • Design a care plan to meet your individual requirements with the advice, care and support of the MDT.
  • Assign a homecare team to match your needs.
  • Our dedicated Homecare Nurse Manager will continuously monitor and review the service delivery to ensure you are entirely satisfied with the care provided.

You can contact us to find your local Myhomecare office and you or your loved one can begin their journey into care with our team.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way.
Contact us on +1 800 400 900 or email us info@www.myhomecare.ie and one of our team will be in touch.

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.

Careers In Independent Living

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Independent Living Careers

Independent living doesn’t mean you have to be alone. There is support on hand if you ever need it in the form of homecare. Living alone can be challenging but homecare combined with assistive technology allows the elderly and vulnerable to carry on with their lives as independently as they can but with the knowledge that help is available. 
 
Homecare services have been designed to assist expecting mothers, babies, and young and older adults from birth to retirement and beyond. There are a variety of fulfilling careers that focus on helping people to live independently. The importance of homecare workers cannot be underestimated, you get to give back to your community and care for people in a very special way indeed. A career in independent living is very rewarding, allowing you to help people maintain their independence and dignity. 

Data from 2019 shows 65,247 people aged 65+ were in receipt of home support, both public and private, resulting in 24.7 million home support hours. This number is growing which means there is always a demand for more carers within the workforce. 

Myhomecare is a HSE recognised national supplier of homecare. Established in 2006 by Servisource Recruitment, it employs over 220 staff, including administrative staff as well as homecare workers. 
If you are interested in helping people live independently, you can explore an array of jobs within the following fields: domestic home support, tracheostomy homecare, mental healthcare, pediatric care and palliative care among others. 

Reasons to Work in Homecare 

  • A rewarding career 
  •  Flexible hours 
  • Create bonds with people 
  • Supportive team atmosphere 
  • Giving back to the community
  • Develop valuable clinical skills

There are a range of different jobs on offer throughout Ireland.

Some available positions include:

Homecare Nurses

Homecare Assistants

Personal Care Assistants

Myhomecare partnered with Isaac Care

Carer helping in independent living

As well as in-person care, Myhomecare has partnered up with the Isaac Care, creating a complete independent living solution. Isaac Care is a complete solution designed to assist people safely and independently in their own home. Combining our Circle of Care app, with assistive technology and a complete wraparound care service, Isaac Care offers you the support you need for the hours of the day when homecare and family carers can’t be with you. Giving you reassurance that Isaac Care’s expert team are on hand whenever you need them. 
 

Isaac Care is proud to be partnered with Myhomecare. Myhomecare currently holds the International Gold Seal in quality by JCI. They are one of an exclusive group of 24 Homecare companies globally who have attained the required standard and the only one in Ireland in our sector. This accreditation demonstrates the excellence in service delivery from the Myhomecare team and their dedication to their staff, clients and their families.

“Knowing that your time with them makes a huge difference to their day and that they look forward to seeing you is such a great feeling.”

Lisa Brazil,
Myhomecare Carer

If you feel like helping people is the job for you, why not give a job in homecare a try. There are a range of courses to choose and there is bound to be one suited to your needs.

Get in Touch

Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on +1 800 400 900 or email us info@www.myhomecare.ie and one of our team will be in touch.