People with experience of caring for someone three times more likely to work in social care sector

Fifty-four per cent of people who have experience of caring for someone are more likely to consider working in the social care sector than those with limited or no knowledge (19 per cent), a new survey has revealed.

The Social Care Perception Survey published by the Institute of Health and Social Care Management (IHSCM) highlight the importance of social care to society, “to break down barriers” and demonstrate a "greater need” to introduce social care as a career choice.

Jane Brightman, general manager of social care at IHSCM said: “It’s revealing to see those people who have had some first-hand experiences of social care are three times more likely to want to work in our sector.

"This is a positive finding and demonstrates a greater need to introduce social care as a career option to young people, graduates and those in careers with transferable skills.”

The social care special interest group at the IHSCM carried out the survey of 225 people, split equally between those working in and outside of social care, to gauge current perceptions of the sector.

The respondents included 51 per cent of those who worked in social care in social care, 28 per cent had first-hand experience of social care while 21 per cent had no experience in social care at all.

Other key insights from the survey stated 86 per cent of all respondents said care workers didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. This rose to 90 per cent from those working in social care.

Adam Purnell, domiciliary and quality lead for Kepplegate and chair of IHSCM’s Public Image of Social Care subgroup said: “Care workers have been going above and beyond to deliver the best support that they can give, while making personal sacrifices. This survey highlights the need for better public awareness of our sector in order to break down any remaining barriers and ensure care workers get the recognition they truly deserve.”

Other findings from the survey included respondents were most aware of care homes (97 per cent) and home care (92 per cent) and least aware of extra care housing (54 per cent), especially those with limited or no knowledge of social care.

Seventy-five per cent of respondents said they were aware of NHS services in the care sector which suggests a level of misunderstanding between healthcare and social care services.

Respondents cited the CQC or equivalent (86 per cent) and word of mouth (74 per cent) as the best ways to find out the quality of a care organisation, with the media (23 per cent) scoring the lowest.

Most respondents believe social care exists to support and care for the most vulnerable in our society, in particular, the elderly.

The IHSCM survey was supported by Championing Social Care and TAP (Thank And Praise).