Night Care Assistant – Compassionate Overnight

General Information

• Organisation: Oaklands Care Home (Leicester)

• Role: Night Care Assistant

• Reference: #J-18808-Ljbffr

• Job Type: Full-time or Part-time available

• Shift Pattern: Overnight shifts (typically starting between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM)

Key Responsibilities

• Overnight Monitoring: Conducting regular welfare checks throughout the night to ensure residents are safe and comfortable.

• Personal Care: Assisting residents with personal hygiene and dressing/undressing, particularly in the late evening and early morning.

• Complex Needs Support: Providing tailored care for residents with various conditions, which often includes dementia or mobility issues.

• Promoting Well-being: Offering emotional support and a calming presence for residents who may experience distress or disorientation during the night.

• Incident Management: Responding promptly to call bells and managing any emergencies according to the home’s protocols.

Candidate Requirements

Experience & Skills

• Experience: While experience is valued, the employer explicitly states that training is provided, making this a strong entry-level opportunity for the right person.

• Attributes: Patience and understanding are the most critical “soft skills” for this role.

• Communication: Ability to record welfare checks accurately and provide handovers to the morning staff.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Ability to stay alert and focused throughout an entire night shift.

• Manual handling (assisting residents in and out of bed), for which you will receive training on how to use specialized equipment like hoists.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive Pay: Night shifts often attract a higher hourly rate (“night enhancement”) compared to day shifts.

• Training: Access to professional qualifications (such as the Care Certificate or NVQs in Health and Social Care).

• Flexibility: Choice between full or part-time hours to suit your lifestyle.

Working the “Night Shift” in Care

Working nights requires a specific approach to care. Because the environment is quieter, you often have more time to focus on individual resident needs, but you must be prepared for the phenomenon of “sundowning,” where residents with dementia can become more confused as daylight fades.

Quick Tip: In a night care interview, the employer will likely ask how you stay alert and how you would handle a resident who is unable to sleep or wandering. Emphasizing your calm demeanor and reliability will be your biggest strengths.