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Edith is a Domiciliary Care Worker working in Coalisland, Co Tyrone. We find out more about her role.

Hi Edith, Can you tell us about your job and what you do from day to day

I work various shift patterns on a rota basis and I go into people’s homes and care for them. I provide personal and practical care e.g. getting someone up out of bed, bathed, help with medication and something to eat. I may have to sit with them to give their carer a break. I work with individuals who are various ages and health and care needs. I help people convalesce after a hospital admission and I’m involved with those rehabilitating from a period of illness and. My job is to keep people as independent as possible and treat them as unique individuals.

What experience/education is required in order to perform this role

The Trust provides mandatory training for my job role and further training is also given ie QCF level 2 personal care training and I also get client specific training given when required. I completed a course on Dementia seven months ago and learnt a lot which I was able to use when working in my day to day job.

What is the biggest challenge in your role

Now that we are not time focused but task focused this makes our job much easier.

What advice would you give to others looking for a job in your field

Any advice I would give, is that you are caring and that when you go into someone’s home be mindful that it is their home. Treat them as a person not your client and be respectful and professional, think how you would feel having a stranger in your home 3 or 4 times a day.

What do you like best about your role and working in HSC?

What I like best working in HSC are all the people you get to meet, both family as well as clients. The satisfaction you feel when you get to help and care for someone. All the training you receive so that you can work with clients who you get to meet on a daily basis.