Catering Assistant Duties jobs

Cherry Grove Nursing Home

Post of Health Care Assistant

Reports to: Staff Nurse

Responsible / Accountable to: Manager / Director of Nursing/Assistant Director of Nursing /Clinical Nurse Manager

The role of the Health Care Assistant is to support nursing staff in the delivery of care to the resident under the supervision of Staff Nurses. The primary role is to assist nursing staff with nursing care and associated duties.

On each working rota the Health Care Assistant will work under the supervision of the nursing staff in relation to duties and responsibilities associated with direct patient care.

Health care assistants will attend training provided to upskill and provide support for their work.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Hygiene:

1. Bed baths, showers, general bathing as required.

2. Cleaning washing and brushing of hair.

3. Cleaning of finger / toenails.

4. Accompany residents to toilets, bathrooms. Remain and assist in patient bathing and toileting.

5. Supervise patients on commodes and assist with hygiene needs. Allocate urinals, bedpans, commodes and washbasins as required.

6. Assisting as required with bowel and stoma function.

7. As required facial shaving of male residents.

8. Dental care and oral hygiene.

9. At all times be aware of the need to follow best practise and policies in relation to infection control.

10. Assist the nursing staff in the promotion of continence care.

Nutrition:

• Help and support residents during mealtimes. Assist in the feeding of residents as required under the supervision of nursing staff.
• Ensure individual residents dietary needs are adhered to including special diets and supplementary drinks under the supervision of nursing staff.
• Prepare and serve food outside of normal catering hours. Washing of crockery and cleaning of kitchen as necessary.
• Assist residents with menus daily.
• Provide regular fluids throughout the day to all residents in the nursing home.

Mobilisation:

• Reposition residents in chairs and beds to ensure their comfort and safety.
• Assist residents with walking.
• Transfer residents from chair to bed and bed to chair.
• Accompany and assist nursing staff with the moving of residents within the building and on ventures outdoors.
• Adhere to Physiotherapy recommendations and assist with needs.
• Ensure pressure areas are monitored, and residents are mobilised to relieve pressure if bed bound ensure residents are turned regularly to relieve pressure areas.
• Ensure mattress on bed and pressure relieving cushions are in good repair and air mattresses are working and inflated to correct pressure .
• Encourage independence with mobility encourage and assist as needed.
• Relate any concerns to Nurses relating to mobility or seating requirements.

General Duties:

• Stripping, cleaning, washing making of occupied and un-occupied beds in consultation with nursing staff.
• Cleaning of trolleys, lockers, over bed tables as required.
• Cleaning of wheelchairs, hoists, and equipment as part of daily cleaning schedule.
• Sorting, checking and disposal of soiled linen and clinical waste in accordance with infection control policy.
• Collection / delivery / sorting and storage of supplies or equipment where required.
• Clean spillages immediately and make safe the area.
• In relation to Health & Safety, be aware of your own safety and that of your colleagues and residents.
• Assist with patient escort duties as requested by Manager / Director./ADON/CNM
• Be professional always and be courteous and friendly to all residents, visitors and colleagues.
• Refill / replace water jugs and glasses for residents as required.
• Assist with confused or agitated residents following assessment by nursing staff.
• Assist with the Last Offices and preparation of the deceased for transfer to the mortuary.
• Offer beverages to relatives if required at the discretion of the nursing staff.
• Assist in the storage of stores and stocks and clean and tidy areas when required.
• Ensure linen cupboards and trolleys are kept clean and tidy and stocks.
• Answer telephones and referring enquiries in relation to residents to nursing staff or Manager / Director/ADON/CNM.
• Assist in the weighing of residents document and report weight to nursing staff.
• Prepare bed areas for admission of residents under direction of nursing staff.
• Itemise resident property and clothing on admission.
• Answer call bells and seek assistance as appropriate.
• Orientate new residents to the nursing home environment especially informing them of location of toilets, wash areas, telephone, day and dining room.
• Always follow guidelines in relation to wearing uniform. Always present at work in a clean and tidy manner having regard to the highest standard of attire and personal hygiene.
• Perform any other duties as designated appropriate by nursing staff / manager or Director/ADON/CNM

Social :

1. Orientate resident to day room .

2. Involve Activities person in creating a care plan which includes residents’ needs and requests.

3. Help and assist activities coordinators with activities and get involved .

4. Spend time communicating with residents and allowing them time to express their needs. Talk while you work.

5. Assist with electronic equipment, TV’s, Radios, Telephones, Internet.

6. Encourage family visits and assist with virtual meetings for residents.

7. Provide daily paper and daily news to residents.

8. Answer queries and help with needs.

9. Involve and or refer to advocacy if residents need assistance with their personal affairs.

10. Establish and maintain relationships with residents that are respectful , always promoting independence and equality.

11. Ideas to promote activities and social contacts are welcome and encouraged.

12. Be friendly approachable and helpful throughout your shift.

13. Address all residents by preferred name.

14. Ask for permission to enter bedrooms .

15. Explain all procedures to residents and get consent.

16. Be vigilant and proactive in reporting and documenting accidents, incidents and events.

The above job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him / her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post.

S.C/T.C - 2026

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to €30,000.00 per year

Education:

• Leaving Certificate (required)

Experience:

• Nursing Home : 3 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Fetac level 5 qualification in care of older persons. (preferred)

Work Location: In person