How Many Hours Will a Home Carer Work?

Home carers and private carers typically work 40-50 hours a week and are generally entitled to breaks, which can vary by location and contract, to sustain the high levels of care provided.

In an 8-hour day, you might get a 30-minute break and two 15-minute breaks throughout the shift, with longer shifts offering more break time. This is crucial for maintaining the wellbeing of both caregiver and recipient.

If you are pondering a change in career or a move from a different type of caregiving role you might wonder, "Just how many hours does a home carer actually work?"

How Many Hours Does a Home Carer Work?

First off, home carers are a bit like superheroes. You'll work in the home of the person needing care, making sure they're looked after whenever needed, day or night.

But don't think you'll be on the clock 24/7, unless you're in a live-in carer role, which might require a more constant presence.

Generally, a home-based carer works around 10 hours a day actively caring, with breaks included. You need your rest to keep your focus and energy up, but you'll never be far away if needed, giving peace of mind all round.

Homecare Carers: Working Hours & Breaks Explained

Legal Working Hours of a Homecare Worker

Okay, let's get a tiny bit official here. In most places, the law has a say in how many hours anyone can work, and carers are no exception.

The magic number for home care? Well, it's not so straightforward, but typically, it's around 48 hours a week, a common schedule for many dedicated care workers, ensuring consistency in live-in care scenarios. This can vary a bit from place to place, though, so it's worth a check in your local area.

How Many Hours Can a Home Carer Work in a Day?

A home carer visiting someone's home might work different hours each day. You could be popping in for a couple of hours in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

It all depends on what's needed – like helping out with meal times, medication, helping get your client getting ready for bed. There's no one-size-fits-all here, but a good rule of thumb is no more than 13 hours in a day to make sure you are not running on empty.

How Many Hours a Week Can You Work as a Carer?

Weekly, the hours add up differently depending on the person's needs and the carer's availability. Remember that 48-hour guideline? Well, that's the ceiling for many to ensure carers aren't worn out.

But, it's flexible, especially in the field of care work. Some weeks might be more, some less, especially in flexible care jobs. It's all about balance and making sure everyone's happy and healthy.

Night Working as a Home Carer

What about those night owls or folks needing a bit of help in the small hours? Night working could be part of a homecare role, but don't worry, it's not all tossing and turning.

If a carer is on duty overnight, they're there to assist if needed but can catch some sleep when things are quiet. They need to be fresh for the day ahead, after all.

How much holiday are home carers entitled to?

When it comes to time off, home carers are just like any other workers; they need their holidays too! Typically, home carers are entitled to the same holiday leave as workers in other sectors, which often means around 28 days of paid leave per year, including public holidays.

This can vary depending on the country and specific employment contracts, but the idea is to ensure carers get a well-deserved break. Taking time off not only allows you to recharge but also ensures you can provide the best care possible when you are on the job.

A rested carer is more equipped to come back in with all the dedication and passion they bring to their care work.

So, there you have it. The life of a home carer is varied, fulfilling, and flexible.

If you're thinking of stepping into a homecare role, knowing the lay of the land when it comes to hours is important. It ensures the care you give is as good as it can be and that you as a carer are looked after too. 

At the Social Care People, we believe attracting more people to work in care is crucial for sustaining the workforce, and delivering the care everyone deserves. 

Register as a candidate today and let Social Care People find you your perfect role in care.