Alot more male health care workers called for, says providers' chief
Alot more male care staff are required to look after elderly people, the chief exec of Care England has said. Prof Martin Green told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the govt should do much more to bring in men into front-line adult social care roles. He stated that as an increasing number of males are living for a longer period, much more men are needed for their personal care.
The Department of Health stated it will always entice more people of either gender to become carers. "We have an ageing population and a lot of people who receive care into old age now are men," stated Prof Green. "The majority of carers are females. When it comes to personal care specifically, a few men want this to be carried out by a male rather than female."
Care England says it is the biggest rep body for independent care providers in England.
Its associates include single care homes, small local organizations, national providers and not-for-profit voluntary organisations and associations, giving services for elderly people and the ones with long term conditions, learning disabilities or mental health conditions. It's really down to each and every citizen evaluating their own pre-conceived concepts of who gives care Prof Martin Green, Care England
Prof Green mentioned that "entrenched societal perceptions" prevent men from planning on care work. "The issue is people usually view caring tasks to be female roles. We have to make society know that all people have the potential to be carer," he says. Govt figures display 84% of carers across the sector in England are women, and just 16% are males. This figure continues to be static since 2012. "The government could possibly be much more systematic in their approach," he went on.
"They can ensure that every school is aware that care career paths are for men as well as women, they could portray more men in government information on care positions, and they must put more emphasis on getting in touch with males whenever they market care role vacancies. "This is all about each and every arm of government working to change the perception that care positions are just for ladies. "More essentially, it's about each and every citizen evaluating their own pre-conceived notions of who delivers care."
Eighty-year-old Jonathan Ryan from a residential home in Surrey has severe mobility difficulties. He told Today he wished there were additional men taking care of him: "From an individual perspective - having showers and baths and private washing and things, I would prefer to be washed and bathed by another male. It tends to make me feel uneasy. I would much prefer a male, I have to confess." With regard to Mr Ryan, it isn't just a matter of personal choice - he also stated he feels in safer hands with males.
After a recent severe tumble, Mr Ryan announced that it was the absolute power of a big male carer that meant he was lifted out of an awkward position. "He pretty much pulled me carefully out but securely and then he got behind me correctly and lifted me up."
One of the biggest not-for-profit care home providers in the United Kingdom, Anchor, claims the lack of male carers is storing up problems for the near future; they have began a recruitment drive in schools and colleges to draw in many more men into the roleExploration by social care targeted charity Skills for Care claims men are normally put off from becoming carers as a result of notion that it's a career with uncomfortable routine tasks.
Additional circumstances include a unfavorable view of the sector's income and salaries, conditions of service, and possibilities to grow. Mark Hand works as a carer. He states that his profession "raises a few eyebrows" however his sex does not stop him or his female co-workers from accomplishing their duties efficiently. "It at times takes a little time to break down barriers when you are working with a woman as a man and vice-versa," he said. "But as long as you exhibit a lot of love, dignity and you treat them with respect then those barriers do come down and they are very content for you to take care of them."
A Dept of Health spokesperson stated: "We would encourage lots more people, including males, to join the social care workforce. "There is a large selection of possibilities for men and women and we have printed advice on just how care companies can attract more men to the profession. "Hundreds of thousands of care workers will benefit when we introduce the National Living Wage, which will also help encourage more people to join the sector."