The sun peeks through the curtains as I start my shift, stepping into a home that’s both familiar and ever-changing. Being a Personal Care Assistant isn’t your average 9-to-5 job—it’s about stepping into someone’s world, understanding their rhythms, and helping them navigate life in a way that works for them.
Morning: Communication Beyond Words
Katie (not her real name), the young woman I support doesn’t communicate with words, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t expressive – she has a lot to say, and a huge part of this job is learning to understand her language. Over time, I’ve learned to pick up on the little cues—a glance, a shift in posture, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. We use Makaton signs, gestures, and Intensive Interaction techniques to communicate, and though it took practice, I now understand her in ways that go beyond words.
First up is personal care and breakfast. It’s important that she has choice and independence, so I offer different options and watch for her response. Today, she picks porridge with honey and seeds. Katie helps lay the table – some days, Katie will require extra patience and support to make this happen and on other days, she will require very little prompting. It’s important to tune into her energy in the early part of the day, to set the mood and tone for the day ahead. As she eats, I chat to her, reinforcing signs, talking about the day ahead and reminding her that our focus in that moment is finishing breakfast – we have lots of time and everything else will happen. After breakfast, I support Katie with stacking the dishwasher. We do just enough to give Katie a feeling of achievement, then I take over when I sense she has had enough. It takes a lot of observation and being tuned in to Katie’s emotions and communication to be able to judge when the right time is. I am grateful for the support I had when I started working with Katie. The team around her are very intuitive and helped me learn Katie’s cues.
Mid-Morning: Out and About
No two days are ever the same in this job. Some mornings, we might be off to music therapy, where Katie collaborates with musicians—yes, even the London Symphony Orchestra! Other days, it’s yoga or a sensory session. Today, we’re heading out to a local farm project where we support Katie to complete various jobs with her friends.
The drive there is an adventure in itself. She loves movement, so car rides can be a sensory experience. As we drive, I play her favourite playlist and catch glimpses of her tapping along to the beat. The car is so important and we work hard to keep it a safe place and create an energy that aligns with the activities of the day ahead.
Once at the farm, I follow her lead. We find out what our job for the day is and take time to explain to Katie what it is we will be working to achieve. There are a variety of prompts that we use to support Katie to complete her tasks – sometimes words and signs are enough – other times a more assertive style of support is needed, or perhaps some hand over hand work together. Lots of eye contact, patience and narrative is vital! My role here is a mix of encouraging, observing, and ensuring she’s comfortable. If something unsettles her, I reassure her; if she’s engaged, I step back and let her take it all in.
The Unexpected Detour
On the way to a medical appointment, we take a familiar route through the park. As we walk, we pass by a café. Without hesitation, Katie decides she wants to go inside. My internal stress levels go up a notch—we’ll be late if we stop. But Katie is strong-willed. She plants her feet and refuses to move. My colleague and I exchange a glance. Over time, we’ve developed a way of communicating without words—our eyes speak volumes. We can’t discuss it aloud; Katie understands every word.
Katie wants to go in. We don’t have time. What can we do? Panic panic. My colleague silently reminds me—stay calm. Let it go. We have some flexibility. I take a deep breath, and we wait. Katie needs time to process what we’re saying. Rushing her won’t work. Finally, after what feels like an age, she processes that we need to go. She moves forward. These moments demand buckets of patience and emotional resilience. It’s easy to spiral into thoughts of, “I should have done this differently” or “What if she’s upset with me now?” but experience has taught me to let go of self-doubt. We move on, stronger for the moment.
Afternoon: A Dip in the Pool
Swimming is a huge part of Katie’s routine, and to be honest, it’s one of my favourite parts of the job too. She’s happiest in the water, and I can see the pure joy as she floats effortlessly, moving with confidence. My role here isn’t just supervision—it’s about joining in, creating moments of connection, and making sure she feels safe while encouraging independence.
As she moves through the water, I can see her unwind. The stress of any difficult moments in the day melts away, replaced by calm.
Evening: Wind Down and Reflection
Back home, the evening is about comfort and routine. I ask Katie to take off her coat and hang it up. She can undo the zip but requires a little help to release it from her shoulders. I encourage her to use 2 hands to hang her coat up as she is more likely to hit the target giving her as much physical space as possible and of course lots of praise when she gets it on the hook first time. Well done Katie!! She smiles.
We prepare dinner together, and I guide her through some of the tasks, always looking for ways to support her independence. We go through a bedtime routine—bathtime, Katie loves a bath, then soft lights, relaxing music, and favourite sensory objects.
Before I leave, I update the care notes, reflecting on the day’s progress and any changes in her needs. But what sticks with me most aren’t the formalities—it’s the small victories. The moment she tried a new food, the way she beamed during her favourite song, the split second of eye contact that felt like a shared understanding.
As I step out into the night, I know that tomorrow will bring something new. This job is challenging, sometimes pretty exhausting, but always, always worth it. I get to be part of someone’s world, not just caring for them but experiencing life alongside them—and that’s something truly special.
Considering a Career in Care?
Are you compassionate, resilient, and ready to make a real difference? Join Innovate Care Group and be part of a life-changing journey supporting a young woman like Katie with complex learning disabilities to live her best life. Apply now and become part of a future where complex care is seamlessly integrated into daily life, uplifting our clients and their families every step of the way.
If you’re a swimmer, confident driver, and fully COVID-vaccinated, this could be the perfect role for you! No previous care experience is required, we’re looking for someone with empathy, a zest for life, and a great sense of humour!
Check out our careers page to read the full description and apply.
