Working in care is killing me

[Trappd]

Hi all, this is more of a rant but I really want some good advice.

I work in a care setting for only one individual, at the clients home, I have been working here for 3 months and it is awful.
I was trained how to do my job 2 and a half months ago and most of the routines I have to do such as getting the client out of bed etc I have not done or seen done since I was trained, apart from recently when I was asked to, I was slow and a bit unconfident (It is in my nature, I have been diagnosed with depression several times)
Due to something out of my control I could not do something asked of me, even though I was slow and unconfident about it
I have been scrutinized and asked to come in for more training at the worst times when I am just about to go into a new home, someone else will cover my shifts which means hardly any money for a week.
I love caring for people but here no one cares, they just criticise and hate on each other.
Since my girlfriend will be due in October I do not want to lose my job, I would prefer to get another one, but in the recession there is hardly any jobs going for an unqualified 20 year old.
Can anyone advise me what to do? No one appreciates the hard work I put in especially the client and my main worry is losing my job, everyone will be so disappointed in me and I have no confidence right now when I really need some. I need this money to pay for the house we are soon to be renting.

 

[Lilicat]

Have you considered moving in to more of a group care home? (rather than the home of one client). Generally there is better support and training and they always need male staff as there is a shortage.
I have worked in homes with both mental health and learning difficulties clients and I think you may find a home with mental health clients more difficult as you have issues with depression (some clients are good at picking up on and exploiting vulnerabilities like that).
Learning difficulties has a higher "fun" factor some of the clients take great joy in the smallest of things which can be rewarding. Aso you get to support clients in fun activies, Staff where I worked took clients on holiday, bowling, swimming, to the cinema, shopping, abseiling, indoor rockclimbing etc
Thats not to say its not hard work but you may find it more rewarding that what you are doing now. Plus some of the clients are really lovely which is nice.
I would suggest you starting contacting care homes in your area asking if they have an vacancies or offer to do some volunteer work if they don't. If you do that and make a good impression you will be top of the list when a job comes up.
If you would consider returning to education look out for NVQ in Care as that will really help you on your way, if you choose to continue in care you will need it at some point and get paid more when you have it.
Good luck, don't give up hope some care work is crap, some clients are difficult but not all are like that. You just need to find the right fit for you.