A day in the life of a residential support worker in the UK is often dynamic and fulfilling, as it involves providing essential care and support to individuals who have various physical, social or behavioural needs. The role will see you supporting people physically and emotionally as well as in their personal development. Children and adults in these settings usually live away, or spend time away from home, and will sometimes have additional needs, severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties (Specific Learning Disability known as SLD or Profound and Multiple Learning Disability known as PMLD), or social mobility needs.
This highly rewarding role will be diverse in what happens day-to-day, however, there will be a structure or timetable to follow to support those in residential care with a routine.
Here's a breakdown of what typically happens throughout the day while working as a residential support worker, if you’re looking for work in residential care in England and Wales, check out our vacancies page.
Morning
You’ll wake up bright and early to start your day as a residential support worker, arriving at the care facility as the residents are waking up. You will often receive a handover from the night staff, updating you on any significant events that took place the previous night, as well as the status of the residents in your care.
You will arrive before those residents get out of bed, so it’s time to rise and shine! You will assist them with getting up and out of bed, personal hygiene like washing and dressing, and ensuring they take any medications they need to start the day.
The next part of the day involves preparing and serving breakfast, which you may be asked to help with. During breakfast, you will need to supervise and help any residents who may need support with eating. Using your skills and qualifications in food hygiene, you will ensure that food safety rules are followed, and any dietary requirements are met.
Once breakfast has been cleared away, some residents will go to school while the older residents will take part in development activities, visit friends and family, or take part in initiatives to help with their independence. While this is happening, you can review EHCPs (Educational Health Care Plans) for residents, which is a crucial part of the role of a residential support worker. This involves understanding the specific needs, goals, and preferences of each resident and documenting how the residential home can offer this support.
Midday
The engaging activities mentioned earlier will still be taking place, and you’ll be organising and facilitating them. These activities may include arts and crafts sessions, exercise programs, or simply spending quality time with residents to promote social interaction and mental stimulation.
Those in residential care who are leaving school will follow the guidance called ‘preparing for adulthood’ set out by the government. This includes preparation for employment/higher education, independent living, community inclusion and health, to help those in your care integrate with their community and become well-rounded citizens.
If residents require medications throughout the day, support workers ensure they are administered according to the prescribed schedule. This is where you will use your qualifications in first aid, medication and even infection control that you have gained.
Afternoon
The early afternoon will be lunchtime, following a similar structure to breakfast. If you help to prepare the food you will need to ensure that the meal served is well balanced, and again support people with eating if they need it.
More social and development activities will take place once lunch is over. During this time you can take a break, organise any documents you have for the residents, or take part in training and development. It’s important to refresh your knowledge on guidance such as safeguarding and PREVENT, and take time to complete your CPD to upskill.
Evening
Once the schoolchildren have returned to the home and as the day winds down, it’s time for dinner. After dinner, residential support workers help residents clean up and maintain a clean and safe living environment. The evening may also involve more leisurely activities, such as watching TV, reading, or engaging in hobbies, to help residents wind down and relax before bedtime.
You will need to administer any necessary medications and encourage a bedtime routine, helping residents change into pyjamas, have a bath, brush their teeth and get into bed.
Throughout your day shift as a residential support worker, you will help residents with going to the toilet, caring for them if they are unwell and ensuring a positive living space. There may be some challenging behaviour throughout the day, and you and the other staff members will be there to diffuse challenging or harmful behaviour and do your best to prevent crisis.
The day shift is now over! It’s time to hand over to those working on the night shift. Write down anything you need the night shift staff to know about the day and the residents, and head home knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life that day.
Night
Most residents will be sleeping during this time, but you will need to ensure the residents feel and are safe and secure. If any residents need the toilet or medication at night, you will also be on hand to help. If your support is not needed for these things, you will be:
- Cleaning communal areas
- Writing reports, completing admin and any other paperwork
- Regularly monitoring all areas of the home
It is so important, not to mention expected, that you stay awake throughout the whole shift, including during break time. Ensuring you get plenty of rest before your shift and bringing healthy and slow-releasing carb food will help prevent you from nodding off. Be sure to prepare yourself a few days before your night shift to help train your mind and body to stay awake.
Whether you’re working in the day or the night as a residential support worker, the most important quality you need to bring is safety and respect towards the residents. Ensuring they feel safe and dignified will have a positive effect on their physical and mental health and will show you are an excellent residential support worker to the senior members of your team.
If you want to find the perfect role in residential care, apply for one of our vacancies today. If you have any questions about the role, contact us today and a member of the TeacherActive team will be happy to help.
