7 Myths About Working in Care

With the help of some of our partners, we’re determined to bust some of the biggest and common myths about working in care to make people think differently about the industry and consider a career in the industry. Because if this year has taught us anything, it’s that we’re always going to need great care workers.

It doesn’t pay well

Wrong! While it’s true that there are lots and lots of entry level opportunities in the care sector, that doesn’t mean there aren’t higher paid roles, too. There are middle management and senior roles in the industry, too, and as with most sectors the more experience you get the higher your salary will be.

Kayleigh Richmond from Orchard Care says:

“Roles in the care industry can differ in wage, however most providers have competitive rates of pay. Most care providers offer pay incentives, such as a pay rise if you complete a qualification, or if you work with residents who have challenging needs. At Orchard Care Homes we pay National Living Wage rather than Minimum Wage, we also pay the full Living Wage to employees of all ages.”

I won’t meet anyone my own age

While there’s great value in working with people from different age groups, the truth is there are huge numbers of young people working in care. And due to the nature of the work care workers tend to form close bonds with colleagues and make lasting friendships.

Kayleigh Richmond from Orchard Care says:

“The care industry employs a vast range of age groups, you may find you have lots in common with colleagues that aren’t your age! Working with a differing age range means you can always learn things from other people as well as completing formal qualifications! At Orchard Care Homes 15% of our staff group falls in the 18-25 category, so you can be assured you will be working with people your own age!”

There aren’t any career progression opportunities

Care is the same as any other industry. If you work hard and concentrate building up your skills and experience in certain areas then you will always get opportunities to progress to the next level. Many care companies will invest in individuals that show potential as it’s always more efficient to hire from within for managerial roles.

Kayleigh Richmond from Orchard Care says:

“The care industry is one of the best industries to ‘climb the ladder’ most care providers offer fully funded qualifications, so you can learn and complete paid work at the same time! At Orchard Care Homes, one of our Regional Operations Directors started as a Care Assistant in one of our care homes and worked her way up to her position now! Our CEO also did the same, he began working as a Support Worker and worked his way up to CEO!”

It’s not hygienic

The idea that care work is somehow unhygienic deters many people from applying for roles in the industry, particularly since Covid-19. But it really shouldn’t. Yes, care work can involve intimate work with vulnerable people but – as explained below – most care companies provide full PPE and training.

If you have concerns, make sure to ask potential employers about their policies when interviewing.

Amanda Ashworth from Skills for Care says:

“Employers are committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of the people that work for them. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, regularly cleaning your hands and following standard infection prevention and control precautions will help you remain protected.

Care workers should receive PPE from the care provider they work for in line with the latest government recommendations.”

It’s boring

All jobs have more mundane elements to them but care work can be challenging, fulfilling and fast-moving in equal measure. Every day brings with it a fresh opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives and different challenges to overcome. You’ll get to meet lots of different people and broaden your understanding of the world, which isn’t a given with many other jobs.

Tom Martin from Oakland Care says:

“When you spend upwards of 40+ hours a week with the people you work with they become a second family, and you create your own bond with them. We run a very comprehensive activities calendar for our residents, and all staff are encouraged to get involved and this makes our people look forward to and enjoy coming into work. A lot of which is available to see on our company YouTube channel.”

All care jobs are the same

When people think about care work they tend to think about working with older generations, but the truth is there a variety of different roles and opportunities in the sector. There’s mental health care, disability care, cancer care and many others – all of which require a different set of skills and experience. In one role you might be keeping a chemotherapy patient company during the treatment, while in another helping an elderly person with their shopping.

Amanda Ashworth from Skills for Care says:

“Care work entails a huge variety of jobs and involves working alongside diverse individuals in different settings. New roles are always emerging to meet the changing needs of people who use services. Some examples of which can be found here.”

You need qualifications

In the same way that not all Oscar-winning actors have drama degrees, not everyone that works in care has a qualification in the subject. One of the biggest advantages of the sector is that it welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds with care companies taking time to nurture people based on their potential rather than their previous skills or experience.

It’s not what you know but what you want to know.

Amanda Ashworth from Skills for Care says:

“You don’t always need formal qualifications before beginning a career in social care – often your attitude and life experiences are more important. As you work you’ll develop new skills and there’ll be plenty of great learning and development opportunities that can lead to qualifications.”

Only women work in care

What can we say, there’s some truth in this. According to Skills for Care 82% of care workers are female with a slightly narrower divide in managerial roles. But if you’re a man and reading this don’t be put off – there is lots to be said for being an outlier and there’s no absolutely no reason why a career in care should only be for women. It’s a convention that needs to be broken!

Amanda Ashworth from Skills for Care says: “There are things in providing care that can be taught and learned, however, having compassion and empathy for an individual is an innate quality that you either have or you don’t, no matter what gender you are.”