Hello. So.. I started working in aged care, home care, however I'm rostered to do basically domestic cleaning. I understand that cleaning the person's home is part of the job and helping the elderly. However I'm finding it absolutely exhausting, the homes are quite big, the chores are mopping , vacuuming , scrubbing, cleaning of any type you can think of. I find the place I work for ok, however they really pushed for 4 days, and in my availability they give me as many hours as possible which are all cleaning client's homes. Everyone has different positions in life so I'm asking those out there who work in this field, how on earth did you hold this job and how long? I have family of 5 to go home to, so I have young kids, and a child with additional needs, so I don't feel I ever stop. I'm trying hard to stick it out but cleaning 5 hours a day , for most the week, I'm finding very hard on me physically and mentally. Could i hear from those like me who have a family to go home to, otherwords being busy with family in the evening etc after doung this type of job. Any tips or info other ppl have experienced would be great to hear.
3 Replies
My 23year old daughter is a new mum and works in the sector. Why is your position all about cleaning? You sound like you're more of a cleaner than a support worker. My daughter does actual support work such as feeding, shopping, showering, changing bedding, helps with medications, doing exercises with them and games, cooking with them, outings etc ...
She does tidy up and do their laundry and vacuum, but they have actual cleaners for the big stuff like washing floors, ovens, yard work, showers and toilets.
I'm a single mum of 4 kids and have worked in residential aged care for 3 years and recently made the switch to home care as the hours are more flexible and work better in my lifestyle then residential. I'm doing 5 days a week and a double shift on Fridays. I'm not sure why you are only doing cleaning that sounds odd, in a 4 hour shift in home care I do exercises, toileting/pad changes, assistance with meals, medications/insulin, fun activities and I do a tad bit of cleaning and anything else that may support my client. I don't work for a company though I'm independent.
It really is exhausting working and having kids, my best advice is find some time for yourself at some point (hard I know) self care, take a nice bath, a walk, anything that is just for you. We can't care for others if we don't care for ourselves first
Hello. Can I ask you did you complete a certificate at all? Certificate in individual support or certificate in aged care or disability?thx