We spoke to a Home Instead CAREGiver to get a first-hand opinion of what they believe is important when working in home care.

Here's what they had to say:

Working as a CAREGiver is a fantastic role that has many advantages, both for me personally and for our clients, who's needs always come first.

Building a great relationship with them is also essential, and for me this is one of the main benefits of my role. Home Instead ensures that our personalities are closely matched, which really helps in developing a proper relationship, and quite often genuine friendships form.

This means we have every chance of enhancing the client's life, because they have someone who shares similar views and likes caring for them, which means we can really get to understand them on a personal level.

Quality time.

With some care providers, visits are often quite short, 15 minutes isn't uncommon, which means that the focus is mainly on completing tasks, rather than supporting the person. The companionship aspect is vital; for both the client and me.

When I started as a CAREGiver with Home Instead, it was an enormous help to have minimum one-hour visits, which meant that I had time to really get to know my clients and they had time to get to know me too.

I have found this to be extremely important as it helps build trust, which makes the client feel confident that they're genuinely cared for, which they are. I believe this improves their quality of life, and they will often greet me with a broad smile, which is pretty special.

Attention to detail.

Sometimes small details can make the biggest difference. For example, we actively promote healthy eating, and we try to ensure that our clients maintain a balanced diet. This is so important in helping them stay in good shape.

Getting to know them on a personal level really does make a difference here, because we understand the type of meals they prefer and how they like them to be cooked.

The role is like being with a family member in some ways. Getting to know clients properly means we recognise if they are a not quite themselves and we're able to address or report any issues that may arise in a timely manner.

Fond memories

I see the role of a CAREGiver as a real privilege because we're sharing someone's life, or at least a part of it.

We're also helping them to stay living in their own home, surrounded by their memories. Sometimes it's lovely to just listen to them talk about things from the past.

If they had to leave their home then many of those memories would be lost, because it's being in their own home that triggers them.

Obviously, it pays to be a good listener, but you know that's an important part of any relationship and allowing them to reminisce helps keep their mind active too.

Privileged position

I think that working in care can sometimes be seen as a menial role, which it most definitely isn't, but I think it helps to be humble and respect that we're supporting our client.

After all they're inviting us into their home and paying for us to take care of them. That is a privilege.

I would describe my role as being a mix of companionship and providing personalised support to someone who appreciates it, which is probably a good summary.

It's highly rewarding and as I said, when you turn up to a client's home and they greet you with a smile, well that's priceless.

If anyone is thinking about becoming a CAREGiver, but they're not sure about the role, I'd say just go for it. I've found it to be a hugely rewarding experience.

Home Instead South Cheshire currently has CAREGiver opportunities across South Cheshire. To find out more visit here or call 01270 611555.