What is respite care?
Respite care provides regular carers with short term-term relief from their caregiving duties. At Helping Hands, we have been providing respite care at home since 1989 and we can set up support within 24 hours. Respite care can be arranged for a few hours a day, a couple of weeks or longer.
Providing care at home allows our customers to be looked after in a place they know and love, without having the hassle of moving into a residential care home. That’s why at Helping Hands, we believe home is better.
Respite care job description
Whether you want to work for a company that goes out of their way for their customers, looks after their staff or makes you feel good about helping others, then apply for a respite care job at Helping Hands. Your responsibilities will include:
Companionship
You will assist our customers with emotional support and companionship, so they will always feel supported.
Assist with personal care
You will provide support with bathing, continence and getting dressed.
Household chores
You’ll help maintain the household by carrying out duties such as the laundry, cooking meals and cleaning.
Medical support and Nurse Supported care
As a private carer, you’ll administer medication and provide nurse-supported care.
Running errands
You will carry out duties such as the weekly shop and collecting prescriptions.
Respite care duties and responsibilities
As a respite carer, you will be compassionate, kind, empathetic and help provide our customers with a better quality of life. You will deliver respite care on visiting or live-in basis, depending on the customer’s requirements.
At Helping Hands, you’ll need to provide high-quality care so our customers can live comfortably and independently in their homes. So, whether that’s assisting them with getting dressed, cooking dinner or providing companionship, you’ll be more than just a carer; you’ll be a valuable companion.
How to get a Respite Carer job
If you have the skills to carry out respite care duties, then apply online to work for Helping Hands. We also accept international applicants. Once you have applied, a member of the recruitment team will get in touch for an interview. You’ll be subjected to a background check and if successful, you’ll be invited to an assessment day, where you’ll complete your training to become a carer.
Qualifications
To be a part of the Helping Hands care team, you need to have a compassionate and empathetic personality and a passion to help those in need. That’s why we don’t feel formal qualifications are essential. You will receive training once you pass our selection process. If you would like to complete national qualifications and progress in the company, we will provide you with the support you need.
Job vacancies
For all our respite care vacancies, simply go to our current openings. We have more than 160 branches across England and Wales, so we have opportunities that are close to your home.
Respite care worker salary and benefits
At Helping Hands, we understand how valuable our carers are, which is why we offer a variety of benefits including:
Generous holiday allowance
Our carers are entitled to 28 days of paid annual leave per year, statutory sick pay and a pension scheme.
Early Pay App
Before payday, you can request up to 50% of your pay in advance. So, if you need to cover emergency costs such as a boiler repair, you won’t have to wait until payday.
Free Blue Light Card
You’ll have access to thousands of offers and discounts from national and local companies including retailers and restaurants.
Guaranteed pay contracts
You will be paid the same wage every month, whether you are on call or not.
Generous mileage allowance
To cover travel costs, we pay 35p per mile between your care calls.
Refer a friend scheme
If you know someone who would love to be a carer, then you can refer a friend. As a thank you, you will receive £100.
Page reviewed by Deanna Lane, Senior Clinical Lead & Dementia Specialist on April 25, 2022