What does a Healthcare Assistant do?

Healthcare assistants (HCAs) play a vital role in supporting the people we care for, particularly those with complex neurological needs.

We spoke to Ivan Molina, Head of Clinical Services at Brainkind’s Stagenhoe service, who gave an inside look at what healthcare assistants do, the skills they need, and the collaborative efforts that make their work so impactful.

Key Responsibilities of a Healthcare Assistant

At our service, healthcare assistants are essential to supporting the emotional, physical, cognitive, and functional needs of the people we support. They don’t work alone—they’re part of a team that includes nurses, therapists, and other specialists. Together, they implement rehabilitation goals, strategies, and procedures tailored to each person’s needs to maintain as much independence as possible.

Monitoring Well-being

One of the most important parts of an HCA’s job is keeping a close eye on the well-being of the people they support. Each person has a designated key worker who monitors both their physical and emotional health. This key worker’s role is to stay up-to date with any changes and escalate concerns to senior colleagues if needed. Accurate reporting and documentation are crucial here, so that everyone involved in care has the latest information on how each person is doing.

Personal Care and Daily Living Assistance

Healthcare assistants provide essential personal care. They assist people with tasks like showering, dressing, and eating. For those who can eat independently, HCAs may help with food preparation and encouragement. For others, they’ll provide direct assistance during meals. This hands-on support helps maintain dignity and a sense of normalcy, which is so important for the people we support.

Emotional Support and Companionship

HCAs are also there to offer emotional support. This can be as simple as sitting down for a chat, listening, or engaging in activities that promote mental well-being. Providing emotional support is crucial for everyone here, and healthcare assistants play a big part in ensuring that the people we support feel heard and valued.

Who Do Healthcare Assistants Work With?

In our neurological centre, healthcare assistants work with people dealing with conditions like Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain injuries. These conditions can affect both physical and mental well-being in unique ways. HCAs play a key role in understanding each person’s individual journey and supporting them with the compassion and patience they need.

The Skills and Qualifications Needed

Qualifications

While there are no strict qualifications required to start as a healthcare assistant, having a Level 2 in healthcare and social care or care certificate can be helpful. At Brainkind, we also provide comprehensive in-house training. We have a practice educator who ensures that everyone is trained in essential skills, including feeding techniques, catheter management and other vital clinical competencies.

Key Skills

Beyond the technical side, there are specific personal qualities that make a good healthcare assistant:

• Teamwork: HCAs work closely with other team members, so being a strong team player is crucial.
• Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and empathising with the people we support is essential.
• Calmness Under Pressure: Some situations can be challenging, so the ability to stay calm is valuable.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with the people we support, their families, and the healthcare team is necessary for effective care.

Working with Other Teams

Healthcare assistants work alongside a wide range of professionals, including nurses, senior carers, and the therapy team. This teamwork is crucial in ensuring that each person’s care plan is delivered effectively and learning from each other.

Collaboration with the Therapy Team

In addition to nurses and senior carers, HCAs collaborate with our therapy teams, which include recreational therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. HCAs help to make sure the people we support can attend their scheduled activities, often working closely with volunteers who provide companionship and social support.

Training and Development Opportunities

At Brainkind, we offer robust training to ensure our healthcare assistants have the skills they need. This includes mandatory training tailored to the needs of the people we support, covering areas like suctioning, catheter care, feeding techniques, and observation skills. This training helps HCAs feel confident and capable in supporting people with diverse and complex needs.

Supporting Healthcare Assistants’ Well-being

The well-being of our healthcare assistants is a priority for us. We’ve put several initiatives in place to support our staff, including:

• Open-Door Policy: HCAs are encouraged to speak openly with their managers about any concerns.
• Well-being Leads: We have designated well-being leads that HCAs can approach to discuss any personal or work-related issues confidentially.
• Monthly Drop-In Sessions: Every month, senior team members, including myself, hold open drop-in sessions. These give HCAs a chance to share their thoughts, challenges in a supportive environment and team events.

A Rewarding Role

The role of a healthcare assistant is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. HCAs make a real difference in the lives of the people we support. It’s a role that requires practical skills, emotional resilience, and a commitment to others’ well-being. For those looking to make a meaningful impact, a career as a healthcare assistant offers fulfilment and the chance to support people facing significant challenges with dignity and care.