Learning disabilities care isn’t like general care work. There are some skills that cross over, but there are a lot of differences, too. At Halland House, we recruit, train and support specialist carers who can deal with the unique challenges that caring for people with learning disabilities brings.
Learning disabilities care
What makes a specialist carer when it comes to LD (learning disabilities) care? Communication is a big part of supporting people with LD. Many people with LD find communication difficult. Some people are non-verbal, while others have different levels of communication skills. Learning different ways to communicate with people is important, such as learning Makaton, a language that uses a combination of signs, symbols and speech.
People with learning disabilities often get frustrated and this can be shown in various ways, meaning carers need to learn to react in an appropriate manner. There are techniques for helping people to calm themselves that are a part of training in LD care. There is also a question of how to support people with LD while helping them retain their independence. It’s not just about doing things for them, it’s about helping them develop their own everyday living skills.
How we support our care staff
There are staff shortages in every part of the care sector, including learning disabilities care. At Halland House, we understand how important our carers are and value them highly. People with learning disabilities need continuity of care so we do our best to keep our staff with us long-term. A good relationship between a carer and the person they are supporting is beneficial for both, so we work hard to match up people who will get on well together.
At Halland House, we think of ourselves as a family, and this is a big part of why our carers say they enjoy working here. They are part of a close-knit team that supports one another as well as the residents. There are no uniforms here, just one example of how we see ourselves as a home rather than an institution.
We’ve mentioned how important training is for specialist carers, and that’s something we help our staff with. While it’s helpful to recruit carers who already have relevant training and experience, we understand that isn’t always possible. If the right person comes along who we believe will be a good fit here, we are happy to support them with ongoing NVQ training up to level 5, and specialist training where necessary, such as for communication methods. This training gives an opportunity for career progression, something that we support and encourage.
Pay is of course an important consideration in any job. In these difficult times, we keep our pay rates fair and competitive. Staff are also entitled to a Blue Light Card, which gives them discounts on shopping and travel.
We want all our carers to enjoy good job fulfilment. There will always be some aspects of care work that are harder than others but with good relationships and a healthy work balance, we believe we offer an enjoyable working situation.
Find a career at Halland House
If you are considering care jobs in Uckfield, East Sussex area, take a look at our Careers website page for current openings. As a learning disabilities carer, you’ll need patience, empathy, adaptability and a good sense of humour. The right candidate will join a family of carers and residents who do their best to make life fulfilling and worthwhile.