Carer/care assistant job

speedy2007

Hey
not sure if anyone can help , but i was laid off recently. Usually i work in IT, which i hate, so i was hoping to maybe use this as an opportunity to find work in an area i would prefer.
I'd like to be a carer for the elderly in Dublin, but i have no prev experience. When i say carer it would be more making sure theyre ok, doing some chores for them, making meals..that type of carer, not a nurse as i have no medical training.
Does anyone know of any agencies that deal with these kind of jobs...seen some on irishjobs but they required experience. And i dont know how you could get experience with these kind of jobs in the first place, apart from getting the job.

I'm studying psychology part time at the moment, which may help after ive completed my degree, but any tips on getting a job now?:o

Mapple

Hi,try Comfortkeepers or Homeinstead.

ads20101

I truly can empathise with you op, as I did something rather similar many years ago. In fact I went one step further and trained to be nurse.

Anyway that's not for everyone.

CPL is the agency if you want to work within the HSE. Also we also trade with TTM for care assistants but I'm not sure if they operate where you are?

I have high regard for both of these agencies.

Best of luck.

StillWaters

You need to have, or be studying towards a FETAC level 5 in Care to work in this area, so perhaps get that under your belt through FAS.

You could also seek to volunteer with a local voluntary group such as meals on wheels when waiting for your course to see if this work is for you, it will look good on your CV too.

ads20101

StillWaters wrote: »

You need to have, or be studying towards a FETAC level 5 in Care to work in this area, so perhaps get that under your belt through FAS.

You could also seek to volunteer with a local voluntary group such as meals on wheels when waiting for your course to see if this work is for you, it will look good on your CV too.

That's true to an extent.....

Anyone working in the HSE would generally require a FETAC 5 but other employers (inc HSE funded organisations) I know don't hold FETAC in high enough regard and as such provide in-house training.

Yes, you can train for a FETAC award in FAS but also adult eds like VEC.

If you look at FETAC courses there is massive discrepancies in course content and duration around the country. I have worked with people who have the award and know feck all, equally I have worked with some that are competent.

The only reason that the HSE went for this award is because they needed a benchmark that was national.

OP, FETAC is a good start but it ain't everything its meant to be.

orchidsrpretty

You DO need Fetac level 5 to work with elderly people. It is a HIQA requirement. However the training needs to start within 2 years of you starting a job so there are ways around it. Not many care homes will hire someone who doesn't have a Fetac level 5 cert. Your best bet would be to ring around and see as there will be some who really stick to the rules and some who are not that bothered.

Edited to add: Most if not all agenices and care homes will offer in-house training such as manual handling and challaging behaviour but these are in addition, not as a subsitute.

sambuka41

orchidsrpretty wrote: »

You DO need Fetac level 5 to work with elderly people. It is a HIQA requirement.

HIQA doesn't cover Home Care, which it seems the OP was asking about, by saying they wanted to do chores or prepare meals. There's no minimum requirements education wise, it is advisable yes but not necessary.

I would keep working on the psychology degree it will open more doors for you down the line. It is also much more interesting and varied course, (I don't have high opinion of FETAC myself.) The fact that you are studying may help you get a job already, no harm in sending off a CV.

I would second volunteer work, maybe there is a local day centre/community centre you could volunteer with?