Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Carer
If you’re considering a career in home care, you likely have a number of questions – from what qualifications you need to what a typical day looks like. Here at Care With Dignity Partnerships, based in Abingdon, we understand that stepping into the world of home care work is a meaningful decision.
We’ve compiled our most frequently asked questions about becoming a carer to help you gain clarity and confidence as you explore this life-changing profession. Whether you’re new to the industry or switching careers, we hope this guide will answer your queries and inspire you to join our compassionate, professional team.
What Is a Home Carer?
A home carer, also known as a domiciliary carer, provides personal care and support to individuals in their own homes. Rather than working in a residential care home, carers support service users in familiar surroundings, helping them maintain their independence whilst receiving the care they need.
At Care With Dignity Partnerships, our carers play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable adults in Abingdon and surrounding areas through respectful, person-centred care.
“Carers are the backbone of the social care system, providing essential support that enables people to live with
dignity in their own homes.”
What Does a Home Carer Do?
The role of a carer can vary based on the individual needs of each service user. However, responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with personal hygiene (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Administering or prompting medication
- Helping with meal preparation and feeding
- Supporting mobility around the home
- Providing companionship and emotional support
- Helping with household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and shopping
- Supporting service users with appointments or social outings
At Care With Dignity Partnerships, we provide full training to ensure every carer feels confident, competent and valued in their role.
“Training may build knowledge, but compassion is what builds connection.”
What Qualities Make a Good Carer?
While skills can be taught, great carers bring certain personal attributes to the role naturally. The most successful home carers typically demonstrate:
- A caring and empathetic nature
- Strong communication skills
- Dependability and punctuality
- The ability to remain calm under pressure
- A sense of humour and a positive attitude
- Respect for others’ privacy, dignity, and rights
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What Are the Working Hours Like?
Home care jobs can be highly flexible. At Care With Dignity Partnerships, we offer both full-time and part-time hours across various shifts to fit around our carers’ lifestyles.
Shifts may include:
- Morning support (typically 7am–12pm)
- Afternoon or evening visits
- Weekend work
- Overnight care or live-in support (where applicable)

We aim to provide our service users with consistent, high-quality care, so we match carers with regular clients wherever possible. This not only improves continuity of care but helps build meaningful relationships.
Will I Get Support and Training?
Absolutely. We take great pride in supporting our team from day one. As registered care training providers in the area, we are the go-to for care training, even outside of our internal training.
Our offering includes:
- Comprehensive induction training covering all basics in care
- Opportunities to gain further qualifications such as NVQs in Health and Social Care
- Regular supervision and mentorship
- 24/7 support from our care management team
- Personal development plans tailored to each carer
- Ongoing refresher courses on best practices and regulations
We invest in our carers so they feel valued, supported, and confident in their roles.
How Much Do Carers Get Paid?
Rates of pay vary based on experience, hours worked, and qualifications. At Care With Dignity Partnerships, we offer competitive hourly rates that reflect the essential services our carers provide.
We also offer:
- Paid mileage and travel time between care calls
- Access to pension schemes
- Holiday pay
- Bonuses or incentives for picking up extra work
- Flexible working arrangements to help maintain a healthy work-life balance
You’re not just a number with us – you’re a valuable member of our close-knit team.
Is There Career Progression in Home Care?
Yes – the care sector offers plenty of opportunities for growth. The demand for skilled home carers is steadily increasing across the UK, offering long-term job security and progress.
With further training and experience, carers can move into senior roles such as:

- Senior carer or team leader
- Care coordinator
- Field supervisor
- Registered care manager
- Trainer or mentor for new carers
At Care With Dignity Partnerships, we actively support career development goals through structured pathways and mentoring.
Where Does Care With Dignity Partnerships Operate?
We are proud to serve the communities of Abingdon, Didcot, Wantage, and the surrounding areas.

If you’re based locally and looking for home care work with a supportive, values-driven organisation, we would love for you to join our team. Our focus is on dignified care and delivering true value to service users, and we look for carers who share that philosophy.
What Sets Care With Dignity Partnerships Apart?
At Care With Dignity Partnerships, we’re more than a care provider—we’re a family. Our name reflects our core mission: to care with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Here’s why so many professional carers choose to build their careers with us:

- We are locally run, so we understand the specific needs of our community.
- We deliver person-centred care, always putting the service user first.
- We offer genuine support—you’re never alone, and help is only a phone call away.
- We create a welcoming, inclusive work environment with ongoing recognition for your efforts.
Our carers stay with us long-term because they know their contributions are valued—and because they genuinely make a difference every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a carer around my existing schedule?
Yes, our flexible shift patterns mean many of our carers balance work with family, study, or other jobs.
Is home care physically demanding?
Some parts of the role, such as assisting with mobility, may require physical effort. However, you’ll be trained in proper moving and handling techniques to ensure your own safety and that of service users.
Will I always be travelling during the day?
Some carers prefer scheduled runs with multiple service users in close proximity, while others opt for fewer, longer visits. We tailor rotas to suit your availability and travel preferences as much as possible.
Why Choose a Home Care Career?
A career in home care is not just a job—it’s a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll be there to support someone at their most vulnerable, often becoming a lifeline to independence and dignity.
According to the UK Health Foundation, the number of people that will be living with a major illness will reach 9.1 million by 2040, much due to the ageing population, which means the demand for high-quality home carers like you is only increasing.
By joining Care With Dignity Partnerships, you’ll not only be choosing meaningful work—you’ll also be stepping into a stable, rewarding career.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Becoming a home carer means entering a profession full of purpose, people, and personal development. Whether you’re new to care or returning after time away, Care With Dignity Partnerships is here to support you every step of the way.
Based in Abingdon and serving communities across Oxfordshire, we’re actively recruiting compassionate, dedicated individuals ready to make a difference.

Apply now at cwdpartnerships.co.uk or contact us to learn more about our current home care jobs. Your career in care could start today.
