A Day in the Life of a Senior Care Worker

Older People Services

I’d like to describe this as a typical day, but after almost 12 years working here, I’ve learned that there really isn’t a typical day. Every day is different, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about my role.

Starting the Day

I start work at 7.00am on the Willow community, one of three bungalows at Elm Tree Lodge. As I walk into the dining area, there are usually some residents already up. I say good morning, have a chat with them, and ask if they would like a cup of tea and something to eat, offering a choice of breakfast items.

I then walk around the bungalow, checking each bedroom to see whether anyone else would like to get up. If they prefer to stay in bed, I make sure they are comfortable.

The Duty Manager provides the main handover and lets me know about any tasks that need following up during my shift. These might include GP appointments, medication requests, district nurse visits, or a variety of other responsibilities, all with the residents’ wellbeing at the heart of what we do.

Until 8.00am, I continue supporting residents before giving a handover to the staff working with me that day. We discuss the tasks that need to be completed and I delegate duties across the team.

Medication and Meaningful Conversations

After the handover, it’s time to begin my medication round. This can sometimes be challenging, as there are often several residents together in the same area, each with different personalities, needs and preferences. Reassurance and clear explanations are frequently needed.

Once I’ve finished the medication round, I spend time chatting with residents about their lives, families, hobbies, or whatever is important to them. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Listening to their stories and looking through their photo albums helps me build a much fuller picture of who they are as individuals.

Supporting Residents Throughout the Afternoon

By now it’s lunchtime, and residents come together to enjoy their chosen meal. I usually serve lunch and make sure everyone receives what they have chosen.

Later, I complete my second medication round. Once everyone is settled, residents choose activities they enjoy. This might include jigsaws, bingo, watching a film, shopping in our in-house shop, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea and a chat.

While residents are enjoying their afternoon, I usually spend some time completing paperwork. I also ask the resident for whom I am the keyworker whether she would like a bath.

Ending the Day

Tea is served from around 4.30pm onwards, followed by the third medication round of the day. Afterwards, I spend some quality time chatting with residents before completing my paperwork, documenting the day’s care and activities, and handing over to the Duty Manager.

Before I know it, it’s 7.00pm and the end of my shift.

It’s been a tiring day but, as always, a rewarding one.