Care Assistant

Home Instead Bedford is an award-winning home care provider supporting older adults to live safely and independently in their own homes across Bedford, Kempston, Wootton, Bromham, Clapham, and surrounding villages.

We provide a wide range of personalised services, including companionship, home help, personal care, dementia care, live-in care, respite care, and end-of-life support. Our approach focuses on building meaningful relationships through carefully matching clients with regular Care Professionals who have the time to deliver relationship-led, person-centred care.

At Home Instead Bedford, we believe outstanding care starts with outstanding people. We invest heavily in training, ongoing development, and support for our Care Professionals, enabling them to make a real difference to the lives of our clients and their families every day.

Our mission is simple: to help older people remain happy, safe, and independent in the place they love most, their own home, while providing peace of mind to those who matter most to them.

Job Purpose

As a Care Professional, you will provide high-quality, person-centred care and companionship to older people in their own homes, helping them maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life. You will build meaningful relationships with clients and support them with daily living activities while promoting their wellbeing and choice.

Key Responsibilities

Personal Care

• Support clients with personal hygiene, washing, bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Assist with toileting and continence care.
• Support with mobility and transfers in line with training and care plans.
• Promote independence wherever possible.

Companionship

• Provide companionship and emotional support.
• Accompany clients on walks, appointments, or social activities.
• Engage clients in hobbies, conversations, and activities that promote wellbeing.
• Build trusting relationships with clients and their families.

Home Help

• Prepare meals and support with nutrition and hydration.
• Assist with shopping and running errands.
• Carry out light housekeeping duties, including laundry, tidying, and maintaining a safe environment.
• Support clients to manage daily routines.

Medication Support

• Assist with medication in accordance with Home Instead policies and training.
• Record medication administration and report any concerns promptly.

Record Keeping

• Complete visit notes accurately using care management systems.
• Report any changes in a client's health, wellbeing, or circumstances.
• Follow all safeguarding and reporting procedures.

Communication

• Work closely with office staff, healthcare professionals, and family members.
• Attend team meetings, training, and supervision sessions.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.

Requirements

• A caring, compassionate, and reliable nature.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to providing outstanding person-centred care.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle preferred.
• No previous care experience required as full training is provided.

You do not need any experience or particular qualifications to become a care professional. You will have a passion for supporting others and pride yourself on delivering an outstanding service. You will be reliable, trustworthy and respectful. You will enjoy building professional friendships and being comfortable in spending time in the company of others.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay rates.
• Paid training and ongoing development.
• Flexible working patterns.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee referral programme.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• A supportive and friendly team environment.

Values

At Home Instead Bedford, we recruit people who are kind, dependable, and committed to making a positive difference to the lives of older people. We believe that exceptional care starts with exceptional people, and we support our Care Professionals to deliver care they would be happy for their own loved ones to receive.

Right to Work

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.Please note: Unfortunately, Home Instead Bedford is unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.