Elder Care

Jellybaby1

I'm drawn towards the area of helping the elderly, but am afraid I'd be useless at the 'personal hygiene' side of it. The professional companies don't state exactly what would be required in their adverts. Would like some advice please.

TylerIE

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I'm drawn towards the area of helping the elderly, but am afraid I'd be useless at the 'personal hygiene' side of it. The professional companies don't state exactly what would be required in their adverts. Would like some advice please.

If your doing it in a voluntary capacity probably only basics like helping wash hands and face and maybe feet. Also assisting with changing clothes.

You state the professional companies though. So if your doing it as a job it will involve, in some (many) cases, assisting males and females with washing their entire body - head to toe. For some people it will mean as little as getting the utensils ready and helping them to dress and undress. For others it will mean actually doing the washing. In some cases people may have pads (adult nappies) which they will need assistance with changing.

If you treat the person with respect, kindness, and dignity (which you will be given guidelines on how to do if working with a decent organisation) it can be quite a rewarding task for you and pleasant and dignified for the person you are helping.

Jellybaby1

Thanks so much. I don't have much in the way of personal nursing experience. I looked after my mother for many years but she was capable of taking care of her own personal hygiene up to her death. So I never had to take that step. I did her housework and laundry, shopping and cooking though. I recently witnessed an elderly lady in her home when her two nurses arrived. What the nurses said about the lady and how they spoke to her upset me so much and I was so happy I never had to hand my mother over to 'professionals'. I'm sure there are wonderful nursing staff looking after the elderly but this particular case upset me greatly. Thanks again for your input I will take on board your comments and think about it.

Jellybaby1

I am now enquiring for courses in elder care. How long are the courses, and any idea of cost involved? What colleges offer the courses? I'm not working and I don't have SW benefits either so I would have to fund this myself and not sure if I can afford it really. I have seen caring jobs advertised but I haven't seen any of them offering any training. Would appreciate more info if possible please.

Elmidena

To work in "intimate" areas of caring, you need a Fetac Level 5 certificate or you'll get nowhere. They won't hire someone illegally and face HIQA trouble. I've just finished one with Fas which lasted about 8 months with six months work experience being part of it (you NEED to clock work experience up to qualify, in whatever vein you take it). The courses and modules vary, depending on where you apply and who is in charge of it. If you are on the fas scheme, pop into your local office to have a chat. You need to be on their books so long I think before you can apply for a place on a course. Even if you aren't, it'd do no harm to pop in and see if they could help you with funding, because you're looking into a couple of thousand easily for it. The idea of personal care is quite offputting, but it does ease over time and you just don't notice what you're doing anymore

Jellybaby1

Thanks Sunshine! Appreciate all the info. Sounds way too expensive for me. I'm not on the unemployment register so I don't think they would offer funding unless I was in receipt of SW benefits. I'm registered with FAS but I suppose it can't harm to go in and see what the story is - will do so asap. The illegal thing doesn't apply to me as I'm a Dub born and bred this last 60 years! Just wondering if it is too late for me. Anyway nothing ventured, nothing gained. Thanks again.

Elmidena

I think you misunderstood me, it's illegal to hire someone without the certificate unless the job will fund your training, but I don't think it's likely when they can take their pick elsewhere.

I read in my local paper yesterday that they're running a Fetac lvl 5 course in the vocational [in 'scorthy], maybe something like that would be run wherever you live?


[Also: wages are under €9 virtually everywhere [private--HSE embargo is still in play so they won't hire for forseeable future], very underpaid for physically demanding work. I know it's not a money-based career choice, but if you are choosing to invest in the course then at least you'll know if it'll be viable for you rather than being disillusioned halfway through the course like I was].

I signed up for the course after looking after my mother when she had cancer. I saw all the things going wrong, neglect and horrible stuff and I vowed "I'm going to make sure someone else's son or daughter or partner doesn't have to worry if they're being looked after properly". When it's someone you love you find you can do anything, and if you have a drive in this area then you're already in the right direction. It's a very noble, poorly-paid job, but shows you have a great heart =D

Jellybaby1

Sunshine! wrote: »

I think you misunderstood me, it's illegal to hire someone without the certificate unless the job will fund your training, but I don't think it's likely when they can take their pick elsewhere.

if you are choosing to invest in the course then at least you'll know if it'll be viable for you rather than being disillusioned halfway through the course like I was].

Ah, I did misunderstand you, sorry for that. Thanks for your thoughts on the subject. I will check out the courses in September in the local colleges.

Bicky

Sorry to hijack this thread but I am looking for info re volunteering with the elderly. I have googled without much success. Alone seems to require volunteers for specific roles but only in Dublin.
I live in Laois and ideally I would like to do tasks for elderly people, such as shopping, delivering dinners, cleaning etc.
I am pretty sure this kind of thing would require a thorough vetting but it is something I would really enjoy doing.
Thanks.

Jellybaby1

Hi Bicky, that was my original intention too so I'd also be interested in any answers to this.

moose112

Bicky wrote: »

Sorry to hijack this thread but I am looking for info re volunteering with the elderly. I have googled without much success. Alone seems to require volunteers for specific roles but only in Dublin.
I live in Laois and ideally I would like to do tasks for elderly people, such as shopping, delivering dinners, cleaning etc.
I am pretty sure this kind of thing would require a thorough vetting but it is something I would really enjoy doing.
Thanks.

There are loads of senior citizen groups in Laois and all are looking for help. If you make contact with the local priest they will set you right. There is also a meals on wheels service and if all else fails st vincent de Paul will set you on the right road

ramonfernandez

The job normally includes hygiene for the elderly. I think this type of job are those who truly care for our seniors. Props to them.



_____
Matthews Senior Care

Jellybaby1

ramonfernandez wrote: »

The job normally includes hygiene for the elderly. I think this type of job are those who truly care for our seniors. Props to them.

ramonfernandez I really understand where you are coming from, however, your comment above actually stung. Maybe you didn't mean it to, but it did. If someone didn't want to get involved in the hygiene side of the job, it doesn't mean they don't 'truly' care, it just means they are not suited to that part of the job.