apprentice care assistant Review

on a day to day basis I help get residents washed and dressed and assist deciding what they should wear, I arrange activities and encourage residents to take part in what they would like to do. I make sure there are towels and flannels in each room so they have everything they need. If somebody uses the call alarm system I go to help them where possible and if I am unable to complete the task they are asking I let another member of staff know so they can be seen to.

I have gained a lot of confidence and have a better understanding of the needs of residents with dementia and how best to care for their individual needs.I have learnt how to assist individuals to eat and drink and keep their dignity in the process as this is important.

I really enjoy my program, I have manageable hours and all the support I need to help me through, my one day a week doing training and e learning helps me to develop my knowledge and having a trainer come in monthly gives me access to ask anything I need help with and get any problems resolved

My programme is very well organised in a way that makes sure I stay up to date with learning and my assessments and observation and I'm very happy with how it is run. I have come very far since I started because of how well led it is and the guidance I have been given throughout.

My employer has supported me and encouraged me to push myself whilst ensuring me not to do anything I'm not comfortable with from the start, this makes me a lot more relaxed in my role which has given me the confidence to come as far as I have done and the motivation to enjoy what I do.

Whilst working towards my qualification I receive a lot of support and access to for skills which is a website that helps me towards my maths and English qualification and shows me which areas I need to improve and takes me step by step through them, I also have contact to my trainer who I can ask about anything I get stuck with in my qualification

I feel that my qualification helps me to perform better in my role as I can learn as I work meaning I'm learning both practically and the reasons behind why we do what we do, I learn how to spot signs of different medical issues that need to be reported.

There are professional networking events at my workplace such as a coffee morning we are holding where several different specialised nurses are coming into speak and inform and try help everyone have a better understanding, these are nice social coffee mornings and are enjoyable as well as being very informative.

Yes

I would recommend this trust to a friend as anchor is a non for profit organisation which means all money goes back into the home, there is a large opportunity for progression as there are a large variety of roles and I have felt very supported and happy throughout my time working here so far.

I would advice others looking to apply to anchor to have an open mind whilst considering the role to understand that within the role there is a large social aspect of involvement and support throughout the whole process, That when they are applying they should first get some knowledge of anchor.