6 Myths about Working in the Care Industry

The care industry performs a vital function for our society, offering the support that is needed to keep it going; whether that be looking after children with special educational needs or making home visits to those who are homebound.?

In any industry, misconceptions and stereotypes will deter people from pursuing a career in that field, and care is no exception.?

We think it’s about time these myths were busted.?

“Care is for women only”

There is a very big misconception that all care workers are female. Whilst there is a higher representation of women in the industry, it is a myth that the profession is solely for them. Diversity within the industry ensures a more adaptable approach to meeting the varied needs of service users.

The reality is, the sector offers a wide array of roles to suit individuals of any gender.?

“Carers only work with the elderly in care homes”?

Another common misconception is that care is solely based around the elderly and residential care homes. Whilst this is an important part of the sector, there are so many different types of people to whom the industry caters. There are children’s services (like special education needs, youth centres and mental health support), adult services (such as learning disability support and at home care) and many more.

The requirements of each role will vary, and so will the service users.?

“It’s a low skilled job”?

Care work is often misconstrued as requiring minimal skills and qualifications. Workers in this field undergo extensive training and are expected to be equipped with a varied set of skills ranging from empathy and effective communication to the complexities of management.

Many professionals within this field tend to pursue further qualifications so they can progress in their career. It is also a common practice for care workers to undergo on the job training whilst working, too.?

“There is little career progression”

The care industry is a diverse one, and there are many paths available for career growth. As a carer, you can specialise in areas such as elderly care, child welfare or learning disabilities support.

There are loads of qualifications available across all levels to help advancement to senior positions.?

“It’s a draining job with no personal reward”

One of the most common misconceptions is that care workers endure constant mental strain with little fulfillment. There can be emotionally dressing situations due to the nature of the work, but it is important to know that workers often find meaning and satisfaction in making a difference.

There is an opportunity within this sector to form strong relationships with those you support, and you can contribute to the betterment of their lives.?

“It’s all about personal care”

Personal care covers a wide range of tasks like bathing, toilet assistance and help with dressing and undressing. It will always play a massive part of a care worker's job depending on the service user. Many believe the role entails only personal care, though there is so much more to a workers day. As a care worker, you may have to meal prep, help with household chores and provide companionship over everything.

Personal care is a small aspect of the job that you get used to very quickly, and is incredibly important for the service user's dignity. Every service user has different needs that need to be met in different ways, and not everyone that requires care is elderly. This means that every case will be different, your support might be needed with mental health more than physical, it simply depends on the service user.?

In debunking the myths surrounding the care sector, we find a field that is as multifaceted as the people it caters to. Care workers aren’t confined to an office or limited in their skillset, however they are dynamic individuals fostering positive change engaging directly with communities.?

A career in care is highly rewarding for anyone who is passionate about helping others.?

Here at The SKA Group Ltd, we have several care roles available with flexible working, competitive pay and a fantastic team dedicated to helping others. If you’re ready to make a difference, get in touch with us today and see if we can connect you to your perfect role!