Care assistants play a key role in supporting qualified professionals in hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries and other health-care environments. Depending on the individual role and setting, a care assistant may assist therapists or specialists by setting up equipment and providing hands-on support or by working directly with patients in carrying out routine personal care duties
A standard 40-hour week is normally worked. For those working in GP surgeries, this usually means working Monday to Saturday on a rota basis. In other settings, it may be necessary to work shifts, which may include nights and weekends. Many part-time opportunities are also available.
Although care assistants may not need any specific qualifications, it is important that they pass a basic medical test and a Criminal Records Bureau check. While employed in the health-care sector, it is possible to work towards a NVQ in health or health and social care. Those who have passed Level 3 can begin formal training in nursing. Average salaries are around £12,000 to 15,000 a year, or £18,000 in the London area.

A Care Assistant provides help and support to people with limited mobility or other care needs. This covers a wide variety of patients from people with physical disabilities to children with learning disabilities to elder people. This support might be completely health related or could also include social work like helping people writing letters or organizing their budgets. It may require to help clients with daily personal care like washing, feeding themselves, lifting and moving patients, using the toilet or helping families dealing with new responsibilities.
Care Assistants might work in a family-residence, Residential and Nursing homes and communities. Also may have to work with children with both physical and or learning disabilities
 A Care Assistant usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Building a relationship with patients
• Identifying patients' special needs
• Supporting clients in their activities
• Helping with physical tasks
• Establishing work routines that help patients with their daily activities
• Providing emotional and social support
• Liaising with family and health care providers
• Working overnight, shifts or live-in

• Working with anxious or stressed people
• Being emotionally sensitive and have good humour
• Being friendly and supportive
• Being flexible and able to cope with stressful situations
• Work as part of a team with family and co-workers
• Understanding the principles of Health Care and Hygiene

A good general education and prior experience is normally accepted for entry positions as Care Assistants. Some employers require candidates to have National Certificates or National Qualifications. Certifications and experience can be obtained through apprenticeship programs available in UK. Normally employers provide a 12-weeks basic induction programs as is required in England to work in adult social care. This course would cover  principles of care, safety and security, communication and social skills, identifying and responding to abuse and neglect, career development.
Background Checks and Medical checks are required in order to work with children or vulnerable adults. Some employers require applicants to have a valid driving license when work position requires to support patients in different locations.
This is a job plenty of opportunities to progress and obtain higher qualifications. To reach NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Health or Social Care is encouraged in some organizations. Advancement towards NVQ leadership and management for care services level 4 could lead to become a care home manager.