Understanding Responsibilities in Adult Social Care
When I tell people I’m a carer, they usually nod and say something like “Oh, so you help with washing and cooking?” While those tasks are definitely part of what we do, the reality is so much richer and more complex than that. After over a decade in this field, I can tell you that being a carer is about balancing practical support with emotional presence, professional accountability with human kindness.
Here’s what I wish everyone understood: no two days are ever the same, but the heart of our role stays constant – we care, we support, and we advocate for the people who need us most.
What Does a Carer Actually Do?
Every day in adult social care, we have the privilege of supporting incredible people who’ve lived full, rich lives. We work with former teachers who once inspired countless students, gardeners whose hands shaped beautiful spaces, bank managers who guided families through major financial decisions, and so many others with their own unique stories and experiences.
The people we’re honored to care for come to us at different points in their journeys:
- Some are navigating the challenges of dementia or other cognitive changes, holding onto precious memories while we help create new moments of joy and connection.
- Others are working through physical disabilities or recovering from injuries, showing remarkable resilience as they adapt and heal.
- Many are managing mental health conditions, courageously taking each day as it comes while we provide understanding and support.
- We support older adults who simply need a helping hand with daily tasks they’ve been managing independently for decades.
- And we walk alongside those facing terminal illness, ensuring their final chapter is filled with dignity, comfort, and love.
Whether you’re visiting someone in their own cherished home, providing round-the-clock live-in care, or working in a residential community, each day brings different opportunities to make a real difference in someone’s life.
What Does a Carer Actually Do? Let’s Break It Down:
- Personal Care
This involves helping with washing, dressing, toileting, oral hygiene, continence care, and grooming. Let me be clear – this isn’t just about completing tasks. When you’re helping someone with their most private needs, you’re holding their dignity in your hands. It requires incredible trust, respect, and sensitivity.
I remember working with a gentleman who was embarrassed about needing help with personal care. Building that trust took time, patience, and showing him that his dignity was never in question.
- Nutritional Support
We prepare meals, assist with eating, and make sure people stay hydrated and meet their dietary needs. But we’re also the ones who notice the subtle changes – when someone’s appetite shifts, when they’re having trouble swallowing, or when they seem more fatigued than usual.
One of my clients loves to tell me stories while I cook. Those conversations over meal prep have become some of the most meaningful parts of both our days.
- Medication Assistance
Depending on our training level, we might prompt people to take their medications or actually administer them, always watching for side effects or concerns. We become the bridge between complex medical instructions and real life, often spotting issues before anyone else does.
- Mobility & Transfers
Using proper moving and handling techniques and equipment like hoists or slide sheets, we keep people safe and comfortable while helping them maintain as much independence as possible. Every transfer is an opportunity to preserve someone’s strength and confidence.
- Companionship & Emotional Support
Here’s something that might surprise you – we’re often the most consistent presence in someone’s life. We become the listening ear, the calming presence, the person who remembers their stories and celebrates their small victories. This emotional support isn’t a “nice extra” – it’s essential care.
- Record-Keeping & Communication
We write detailed notes, report changes to families and healthcare professionals, and maintain clear communication with GPs and nurses. These records might seem routine, but they’re often the key to spotting problems early and ensuring continuity of care.
Ending for Part 1
That’s the day-to-day work we do — but the care doesn’t stop there. Behind every task is a deep sense of responsibility, guided by legal and ethical standards that shape how we support others.
👉 In Part 2, I’ll explore what that responsibility means, why it matters, and how it transforms care from a job into a calling.
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