The Impact of Well Trained Direct Care Workers in Social Services

Just like a doctor or nurse, direct care workers in the social services industry play a significant role in the lives of the individuals they care for. Their jobs range from being a personal assistant to an elderly person, to acting as a caregiver or home care aide for those clients who cannot physically care for themselves. The work they do has a substantial impact on those for whom they provide assistance.

Unlike doctors and nurses, direct care workers are rarely afforded the respect and compensation their job deserves. As a result, it may be difficult to find properly trained individuals to perform this noble and demanding work. Well trained and skilled workers need to be the rule rather than the exception because it is critical that the highest level of service be provided.

Troubles Arising from Poorly Trained Direct Care Workers

Poorly trained direct care workers can prove disastrous for those in their care. Many people who find themselves in need of such assistance are elderly, physically or mentally disabled, or have experienced trouble with substance abuse. These individuals need the highest level of care possible. The assistance can range from more basic tasks like making sure their bills are paid on time, all the way through to more intensive care such as bathing and feeding. Dismal things, including injury and death, can happen to individuals in such dire straits when the care they receive is inadequate.

Sadly, cases of abuse or neglect at the hands of health care assistants are not uncommon. Direct care workers need to be properly trained in how to provide specific care of physical needs, and how to handle their client’s potentially difficult mental and emotional state. Without proper training in both of the aforementioned, the likliehood of thorough and proper care is slim.

Benefits of Well Trained Direct Care Workers

Well-trained workers play a crucial role in the life of the people they assist. In many cases they sustain the life of their clients by ensuring that they eat and are not alone in the case of an emergency. They can provide friendly companionship, assist in household tasks, and greatly improve the quality of life of their clients. Workers who consistently show up with smiles, positive words and know how to handle the occasional depression or negative attitude of their client, can have an uplifting effect. Direct care workers play a vital role in the lives of the people they assist, and like a doctor or nurse, they need to be thoroughly prepared for the work they have been called to perform.