The common misconceptions about the role of a caregiver

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, some long held myths about working in the healthcare industry can hinder your career or stop you from even getting started.  If you’re thinking about becoming a caregiver but are having some doubts, we’ve shared the most common misconceptions about the role of a caregiver to help debunk the stigma surrounding the job.  

Myth 1 - Care workers are low skilled

The truth – Caregivers are a very skilled and valued part of the healthcare workforce.  Extensive training and learning development are provided by employers to allow caregivers to up their skillset at all levels of their career.

Myth 2 – There is no career progression

The truth – The healthcare industry is an incredibly varied sector and there are roles available to suit all skillsets.

Most of our homecare positions don’t require previous healthcare experience, but is a good place to start if you wish to progress further with your career. Many of our caregivers progress to healthcare assistants once they have gained the relevant experience.

Healthcare workers are in high demand at the moment and many employers will offer extra training and personal development opportunities to help staff progress, giving you the chance to branch out and expand your knowledge and experience.

Myth 3 – You’ll get a low wage

The truth – As with any other role, the salary of a caregiver will vary depending on experience and who you work for. Most employers like Kare Plus offer perks such as employee incentive schemes, bonuses, pension schemes, holiday pay, paid mileage and not to mention, flexibility in your working hours.

Myth 4 – Caregiving consists of only basic tasks

The truth – There is a common belief that caregivers only provide basic tasks when delivering care. However, the industry is very fast-paced. The day to day tasks allow you to work with people from all walks of life meaning there will never be a dull moment.

Myth 5 – You’ll have to work long hours

The truth – While it is true that some nurses work long hours, the vast majority of healthcare professionals work 40 hours a week or less. Employees like caregivers in settings outside of hospitals are more likely to have regular hours and, in most cases, you get choose the hours you can work each week.

There are many more misconceptions about the role of a caregiver, but we hope that those we’ve outlined have helped shed a light on caregiving as a rewarding career in which you can make a real difference to someone’s life.

If you would like to apply for a caregiver position at Kare Plus, visit our jobs page.