Caregiver interview questions and answers in English

B1 answer

I'm a care assistant in a care home for older people. I've worked there for two years. I help residents with washing, dressing and meals, and I talk with them a lot. Many of them have dementia. I enjoy this work very much, and now I want to work in home care and learn more.

B2 answer

I've been a carer for three years, first in a residential home and for the last year with a home care team, where I visit around eight clients a day. I support people with personal care, medication and meals, always following their care plan. I've completed training in moving and handling and in dementia care. I'm applying here because I'd like to work with people with more complex needs.

B1 answer

When my grandmother was ill, a carer came to her house every day. She was kind and patient, and she made my grandmother feel safe. I wanted to do the same for other families. I am calm and patient, and I like to make someone's day a little better.

B2 answer

My grandmother was cared for at home in her last years, and I saw how much difference a good carer made to her and to our whole family. That is the main reason I chose this work. I'm patient and I stay calm when things go wrong, which helps in care. What I enjoy most is building trust with clients, so that they feel safe and still in control of their own lives.

B1 answer

First I knock and I ask, 'Is it OK if I help you wash now?' Then I close the door and the curtains. I keep the person covered with a towel. I let them do as much as they can, and I explain each step. I respect their choices, for example which clothes they want to wear.

B2 answer

Before anything, I explain what I'd like to do and ask for consent, and I accept it if the answer is no. I close doors and curtains, keep the person covered as much as possible and encourage them to do what they can for themselves, because independence is part of dignity. I also respect their routines, use their preferred name and talk to them, not over them.

B1 answer

I never force a client. First I stay calm and ask why. Maybe they are in pain, tired or scared. I explain why the medication is important, and I try again a little later. If they still say no, I respect that. Then I write it in their notes and I tell my manager straight away.

B2 answer

I would never force care or hide medication in food, because the client has the right to refuse. I'd stay calm, try to find out the reason and explain gently why the care or medicine matters. Often a short break or a different approach helps, so I'd offer again later. If they still refused, I'd respect it, record it accurately and report it to my manager, who can contact the GP if needed.

B1 answer

Last year a client's daughter was angry because her mother's lunch was late. She shouted at me in front of other residents. I had to stay calm. I took her to a quiet room, listened and said sorry for the delay. I told my manager, and with her mother's agreement we called her every week. In the end, she thanked the team.

B2 answer

A few months ago, the son of one of my home care clients complained that we were not doing enough for his father, and he became quite aggressive on the phone. My task was to calm the situation without sharing anything his father had not agreed to. I listened, acknowledged his worry and arranged a meeting with my manager. We reviewed the care plan together with his father, and as a result the son felt included and the complaints stopped.

B1 answer

First I stay calm and I talk to the client. I check if they can answer me and if they are breathing. I don't try to lift them alone. If they are hurt, I call an ambulance. Then I call my manager, keep the client warm and stay with them. After that, I write down what happened.

B2 answer

I'd stay calm and reassure the client, but I wouldn't move them straight away, because moving someone with an injury can make it worse. I'd check whether they respond, whether they're breathing and if they're in pain. If there's a head injury or they can't get up safely, I'd call an ambulance. Then I'd follow the falls procedure, inform my manager and record exactly what I found.

B1 answer

Care work can be sad, for example when a client dies. I think it is OK to feel sad. I talk to my colleagues or my manager after a hard day. At home I go for a walk and I try to rest. I also take my breaks, so I can give my best to the next client.

B2 answer

I accept that care work is emotional, especially when a client I've known for a long time becomes very ill or passes away. I don't hide those feelings. I talk them through with colleagues and use supervision with my manager, which really helps. Outside work, I make sure I switch off: I walk every evening and protect my days off. That way I can stay caring without burning out.

B1 answer

Yes, I have two questions. What training do new carers get in the first weeks? And will I meet the clients and read their care plans before I start visiting them? I want to give good care from my first day, so this is important to me.

B2 answer

Yes, two. First, how do new carers get to know a client before working with them alone, for example by shadowing an experienced colleague? Second, how does the team share information between shifts, so that changes in a client's needs are not missed? I'd also like to know what supervision and further training you offer to carers who want to develop.