More Than Care: 5 Reasons to Work in Homecare in 2024

Here at Right at Home, we are engaged in a mission to change perspectives on working in the social care sector. We are shining a light on the vital work that many care professionals do every day, making a true difference in the lives of people up and down the country.

While homecare is becoming a more important job than ever before, many people still look at domiciliary care as an unskilled profession that provides little benefit to the Clients it serves.

However, the role of the care professional is both multi-faceted and ever-changing. With CareGivers learning new skills and working closer with other healthcare services, the homecare service is becoming more vital than ever before. From alleviating the bed-blocking issue in the NHS to providing comprehensive live-in support for people living with complex conditions, in-home support is becoming an invaluable factor in ensuring people stay safe and well at home.

Why is homecare important in 2024?

According to Ageing Better research, the older population in England has been growing significantly over the past 40 years. The number of people aged 50 and over has risen by more than 6.8 million, marking a 47% increase. Meanwhile, the number of individuals aged 65 and over has increased by over 3.5 million, reflecting a 52% rise.

With the older population growing, we are also beginning to see a rise in cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s, while other health issues are more prevalent as you get older. When you consider the social downsides to getting older – such as the risk of loneliness and social isolation – it becomes apparent that care professionals may be more needed than perhaps previously. 

Some Clients may just require a companionship service – somebody to help them get out of the house or sit with them and enjoy a cup of tea or a board game. Others require more attentive care, helping with washing, household chores or even assistance with their pets.

With increased importance placed on the carer, the social care sector is likely to see a rise of people interested in taking a role with a homecare provider.

Within this article, we’ll be looking at some of the many reasons to work in homecare in 2024, and why this could be a new rewarding career for people with a passion for helping others.

Read on for more information.

Reason #1: Learn new skills and access new career pathways

As aforementioned, the homecare sector is continually changing. When providing domiciliary care, you constantly learn new skills. Companies like Right at Home UK provide accredited training and mentorship so care professionals remain current with the sector’s best practices and most recent regulations.

In addition, homecare also allows for unique career pathways depending on how you want to progress. Whether you prefer being in a more front-facing CareGiver role or using your organising skills in one of the many office-based positions in the sector, you can forge your own path within social care, earning new qualifications that can also help you branch out into wider healthcare roles.

Reason #2: Discover a variety of care roles

The ‘More Than Care’ campaign is designed to highlight the extensive responsibilities of in-home care professionals and to showcase the diverse career opportunities in the caregiving sector. This initiative aims to dispel the myth that caregiving is an unskilled job with no room for growth. Whatever your skills and interests, there is a care role to suit you.

Some of those positions include:

• CareGivers: CareGivers are the foundation of our services. They perform a variety of inspiring and empowering activities with our Clients, helping them maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives.
• Care Coordinators and Registered Managers: These positions allow people to use their leadership and mentoring skills to deliver outstanding care. They balance business growth with community support, drive operational standards, and ensure our workforce feels fully supported and confident in their roles.
• Training Coordinators: Training coordinators keep our CareGivers updated on best practices and regulations, ensuring they provide top-quality care and companionship to our Clients.
• Compliance Officers: These care professionals ensure homecare companies adhere to all regulations and quality standards, allowing them to deliver the best possible service to our Clients.
• Marketers and Recruiters: These are essential in attracting exceptional care professionals to homecare companies. They ensure our commitment to quality care is communicated effectively to the community.

Discover More: Do you want to find a care job at Right at Home that matches your personality and aspirations? Take our Careers in Care quiz to find the perfect role for you.

Reason #3: Make a difference in the lives of others

For many people, the idea of making a vital difference in the lives of others and their local community is the reason they get up in the morning. If you’re naturally inclined to help people and have a passion for brightening people’s days, homecare may be the role for you.

A 2021 study at Oxford University found that patients who received hospital-to-home had higher levels of patient satisfaction compared to in-patient care. Homecare companies like Right at Home work in tandem with district and community nurses, providing holistic support that compliments your medical treatment. 

CareGivers can also be trained to take part in Delegated Healthcare Activities – such as urinary catheter care, bowel stoma care and gastronomy care. They can regularly monitor your condition, which means any changes to your health can be addressed quicker than they would have without domiciliary support.

Reason #4: Enjoy work where no two days are the same

As a care professional, you'll interact with a diverse range of individuals, including Clients and your fellow team members. You'll gain valuable insights from their life experiences and receive their advice and guidance. With a variety of conversations, activities, and Client needs, each day will be unique, ensuring an engaging work environment.

The support requirements of each individual will vary. For example, you may work with a non-verbal Client, necessitating adjustments to communicate effectively. You might also support individuals with dementia, which presents unique challenges and rewards. The activities you engage in with someone who lives with a learning disability will differ from those you perform with an older individual. This variety ensures that your role remains fulfilling, catering to the specific needs of each person you support.

Reason #5: Care professionals are chosen for their values as much as their experience

As a care professional, your personality and values are just as vital to making a difference in the lives of others. Even if you have limited experience, the willingness and dedication to help people live a more independent life is often enough to brighten the Client’s day.

You can’t be taught to care, it is something ingrained in you – this natural selflessness is the key to excellent caregiving.

Take our CareGivers for example. As part of our commitment to excellent care, we pair CareGivers with Clients based on their personalities and interests. If you share hobbies with your Client, it leads to a much stronger level of support, fostering a genuine relationship that truly bolsters independence and makes receiving care a highlight of their day.

Find out more about working in homecare

If you’re interested in learning more about working as a care professional at Right at Home or you’re considering applying for a job in the social care sector, check out our More Than Care content in more detail. Here you’ll find out more about the different roles available at Right at Home, the benefits of caregiving, how you can progress in the industry, and more.