While many people enjoy a glass of wine or a beer at the end of a working day, is it suitable or even allowed if you are a live-in carer?
Whether you can drink or not is something that you need to be aware of before you start your placement. Often this varies from agency to agency and whether you are self-employed or hired by the agency.
Self-employed live-in carer
In this situation you are technically your own boss. The client is the person who hires you and it is his or her rules that you need to obey. If your client is happy with you sharing a glass of wine with her at 5pm, and you have no objections to this routine, then the choice is yours.
Sometimes the family will take both you and your client out and offer you a drink. This is not to trick you into drinking, but more than likely they are simply being kind. In this instance the final choice and decision is up to you. The family will respect your decision (possibly with relief) and not offer you a drink next time you go out.
Employed by the agency
If you are employed by the agency, then you need to follow their rules. Most agencies will tell you that drinking on the job is prohibited. If you are found to have been drinking and someone reports you, they will most likely call you into the office for a serious discussion and possibly a warning.
So, why is it best not to drink?
Alcohol dulls the senses, simple as that. You will not be able to function at your best after wine or beer. You may not make the right decision and your client may get hurt.
If you need to call an ambulance and the paramedics find two wine glasses in the kitchen, they are within their rights to report you for negligence. You will have to explain why you had a drink and depending on the extent of your client’s injuries, you may still be charged. You may even lose your job. Ask yourself whether it is worth the risk for one glass of wine.
To sum up
As you go through your live-in care career, you will eventually hear of people who drink while they are at work. Unfortunately drinking does happen. Caring is a stressful job and having a glass of wine to relax may seem like a good option after a hard day.
You may find yourself in the position of working with another carer who likes a glass of wine on her break. Even though your break is two hours (or should be) it is still not a good idea to be seen in a pub. What people forget is that carers are always watched.
Village communities are small, and people are generally curious. You will find that before long people recognise you as the carer living with Mrs Smith. It will also be noted that you spend your break in the pub – whether you drink alcohol or not.
People are quick to judge and as a live-in carer you should as far as possible make sure that you are above reproach.
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