According to the recent Skills for Care data, the UK is facing a workforce shortage of 111,000 in health and social care. This gap is widening due to an ageing UK population.

Due to the rising demand for care in the healthcare sector, more and more people are choosing to enter this profession. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 reasons why people are considering a career in care as well as the various options to specialise in the care sector.

 

A Rewarding Career

Those who work in the care sector report high feelings of job satisfaction. This is because it involves helping and supporting other human beings to improve their lives. In addition, care staff seek to promote independence and decision-making abilities in individuals' lives. Knowing that they are making a positive difference in the lives of other people makes the job feel more rewarding and satisfying. 

Strong Bonding

Care workers not only form a deep relationship with those they support but also develop a strong bond with other team members. This bonding creates a genuine sense of job satisfaction and fulfilment not found in other job sectors. 

High Flexibility

Care workers have the option to choose their work shifts. For example, they can choose to work in morning or night shifts. It can help them to pick a time that can create a good work-life balance.

Personal Development

People who work in care facilities often see a lot of hardships and difficulties faced by patients of varying physical, mental or social conditions. This is why care workers often have high levels of empathic traits.

Easy Healthcare Entry

Compared to other healthcare professions, it is relatively easy to become a carer and gain entry into the healthcare industry. Other healthcare roles typically require years of training along with different requirements, making it more challenging to gain entry into the healthcare sector. 

That’s not the case with becoming a care home worker. Completing a relatively short Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care Course provides a solid foundation for entry into the care sector and meeting employer expectations. It is a purely online and knowledge-based qualification that covers all the fundamentals needed in the care sector. 

 

Novelty

Since each individual has unique needs, there is no set or fixed task for a care worker. It depends on the situation and will vary from person to person. This makes it different from a typical 9-5 repetitive routine and can be exciting to look forward to. Although the duties may vary, tasks are a combination of physical, emotional, and social needs.

High Job Security

Due to an ageing population and consistent staff shortages, the demand for care professionals is at an all-time high. All of these point to a career that will remain stable in the future. 

Consistent Pay

Care work offers a stable and consistent income alongside the opportunity to earn extra through paid overtime or night shifts. Also, there is a clear promotional path for care workers to get into senior roles, leading to a higher salary structure.

Clear Progression Path

Many care home professionals gain experience over time and transition to related fields, such as support work or healthcare assistance. However, in such cases, a relevant training, such as the Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care Certificate, can help facilitate the transition. 

 

It is an advanced qualification that also includes a practical skill observation as part of an assessment task once the online learning is done. Completing this qualification ensures that the learner meets all the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements and is fully competent across related fields.

Opportunity To Work In Varying Care Settings

A care worker can choose to specialise or work in different care settings. Some of the main care home types include the following:

• Care Home: These homes assist residents with personal care activities.

• Nursing Home: These are care homes meant to support individuals with more complex needs

• Dementia Care Homes: These are care homes meant to support people with dementia.

• Respite Care: These are temporary residential roles to support someone when their normal care is on leave or break.

• Dual Registered Care Homes: These care homes provide both personal and nursing care.

 

Care homes these days look for applicants who have completed Care Certificate Training, which covers all 16 updated standards. Previously, there were 15 standards, but the latest update adds a focus on supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

Final Words

Care home workers are in high demand across the UK, and many people are choosing to enter the industry. The top reasons to enter the workforce are its rewarding nature, strong team and patient bonding, high flexibility, opportunities for personal development, and easy entry into the healthcare industry.

 

Other reasons include task novelty, job security, stable pay, progression path, and options to work in varied home settings.