How to become a personal care assistant

 Are you interested in becoming a personal care assistant? Find out more about personal care and the current vacancies with Prestige Nursing & Care.

As the population gets increasingly older, the UK is set to see the demand for care workers rise. Care workers, including personal care assistants, play an instrumental role in meeting the needs of vulnerable people that require care and support. 

Prestige Nursing & Care is a leading provider of home care services across the UK. By joining our closely-knit team, you’ll enjoy competitive pay rates, fantastic benefits and ongoing training and support. 

Here is everything you need to know about becoming a personal care assistant and how you can join our award-winning team.

What Is A Personal Care Assistant?

A personal care assistant is someone who looks after a person with care and support needs, typically because of their age or disability. Personal care can often be provided in a client’s own home, enabling them to live as safely and independently as possible.

Being a personal care assistant can be a very flexible job and we offer part-time and full-time work on different days and at different times to suit your schedule and preferences. For example, the role is suitable for those who already have another part-time job, for someone who’s in college and may just want to work evenings or weekends, or even for someone who is largely retired but wants a job for just a few hours a week.

What Are The Duties Of A Personal Care Assistant?

Personal care assistants carry out a wide range of tasks as required by their clients. This includes assistance with tasks such as washing, eating and getting dressed, and can also involve helping people get out and about to boost their independence.

Some of the duties and responsibilities of a personal care assistant might include:

  • Assisting clients with their personal care routines
  • Light housekeeping duties
  • Preparing and cooking meals
  • Providing companionship and emotional support to the individual and their family
  • Working with other health professionals to monitor the health of clients and ensure all care needs are being met
  • Any other activity that allows our clients to maintain independence and quality of life

What Skills Do Personal Care Assistants Need?

Being a personal care assistant involves having several useful skills, with some of the most important being the ability to listen, be flexible and show a willingness to learn and respond. Good interpersonal skills are also a valuable asset, and the ability to relate to and work well with others – while also working well independently – is vital.

Working in the care sector – while hugely rewarding – can sometimes be a stressful and challenging role, so the ability to manage this while remaining calm is of the utmost importance.

Some of the skills needed to become a personal care assistant include: 

  • Great communication skills
  • The ability to plan, organise and multi-task
  • Strong problem-solving and time-management skills.
  • Highly observant
  • Reliability

If you are interested in learning more about the skills you need to become a personal care assistant, have a look at our short guide on the skills required to succeed in the care industry

Does a Personal Care Assistant Need Qualifications?

There are no specific qualifications needed to become a personal care assistant worker beyond a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Although specific qualifications aren’t required, NVQs or similar qualifications in the health and social care sector can help you obtain the roles you want. 

At Prestige Nursing & Care, we provide all new starters with a comprehensive training course that ensures they have the skills and know-how to provide professional in-home care services to our clients.

The topics covered range from basic first aid, personal care, safeguarding and the duty of care of a support worker. These modules will include eLearning, classroom-based teaching and shadow shifts within your chosen area of work. We will then provide you with ongoing training opportunities and support throughout your entire career with us. 

How Can I Become a Personal Care Assistant? 

Finding your next role as a personal assistant couldn’t be easier. At Prestige Nursing & Care, we are always looking for talented and dedicated individuals that want to join us in making a positive difference in the lives of the people we support. 

Prior experience in care work is beneficial, but not necessary, as we do have limited roles available for people with no prior professional experience. You can learn more about our home care job requirements and our recruitment process in our Carer Jobs section. 

As a dedicated member of our team, you’ll enjoy benefits such as competitive hourly rates, flexible rotas, ongoing support and plenty of opportunities for future growth in your career. 

Contact our friendly recruitment team or explore our job vacancies to see what’s currently on offer at Prestige Nursing & Care.

We are here to take your call and will provide impartial support and guidance – contact our friendly care experts today to discuss your care needs.


0808 239 1525

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