How to Use Your Health and Social Care Degree Effectively

Wondering how to make the most of your health and social care degree? If you’ve finished your studies and are eager to make a positive impact, you may be looking for guidance on how to navigate the broad range of career opportunities this field offers.  In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of health and social care, from the role of a social care worker to how you can use your degree effectively to carve out a meaningful career.

What is Health and Social Care?

Health and social care is all about improving people’s well-being by providing the right services and support. It covers two main areas: healthcare, which focuses on treating illnesses and preventing diseases, and social care, which helps with things like housing, education, and community support. The main goal, therefore, is to ensure that vulnerable people have access to everything they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Moreover, the field is wide-ranging, including everything from healthcare and social work to mental health, elderly care, and community services. As a result, it is a sector that relies on dedicated professionals who genuinely care about making a real difference in people’s lives.

Responsibilities of a Social Care Worker

A social care worker helps people who may be struggling with various challenges, including physical, mental, or emotional difficulties. They ensure that clients receive the care and resources needed to improve their well-being and quality of life.

Their responsibilities include:

• Providing emotional support
• Assisting with daily tasks
• Facilitating access to services
• Assessing needs and developing care plans
• Advocating for clients’ rights and resources
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals
• Supporting vulnerable populations

How to Access Social Care Services?

Getting social care services usually starts with a needs assessment. This assessment looks at your age, health, and situation to see what help you need and if you qualify for support. In the UK, you can first contact your local council or health authority to ask for this assessment. After that, a social worker or professional will then help create a care plan designed just for you.

Additionally, you can be referred to social care services by a doctor, community group, or even a family member. These services may include help with personal care, mental health support, housing, or assistance with moving around and daily tasks. As a result, you can access the right support to improve your quality of life.

How to Get Social Care Services?

To get social care services, people usually need a needs assessment. This looks at their age, health, and situation to determine what help they need and if they qualify for support. In the UK, they can contact their local council or health authority to ask for an assessment. A social worker will then create a care plan to meet their needs.

Additionally, they might be referred by a doctor, a community group, or even a family member. These services may include personal care, mental health support, housing, or help with daily tasks. As a result, they can access the support they need to live better.

What’s the Difference Between Healthcare and Social Care?

Healthcare and social care are connected, but they focus on different things. Healthcare is primarily about treating and preventing illnesses. For example, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals provide services like surgeries, hospital care, and check-ups to improve or maintain physical health.

On the other hand, social care is about helping people with their daily lives and overall well-being. It includes support for managing health, housing, relationships, and community involvement. Social workers, carers, and community groups typically provide these services.

Both sectors work together to ensure people get the care they need, addressing both medical and non-medical needs.

The 6 C’s in Health and Social Care

The 6 C’s represent the core values that guide health and social care professionals in their work. These values ensure that care is delivered with compassion, respect, and professionalism. The 6 C’s are:

• Care
• Compassion 
• Communication
• Courage
• Commitment 

What is Safeguarding in Health and Social Care?

Safeguarding means protecting vulnerable people from harm, such as abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In health and social care, it ensures that people, especially those at risk because of age, disability, or illness, are kept safe. This includes spotting signs of abuse, taking concerns seriously, and acting to prevent harm.

Additionally, it is the responsibility of all health and social care professionals to uphold safeguarding principles by ensuring that they are trained to recognise the signs of abuse and know how to report it. Safeguarding is a key part of the ethical and legal framework that underpins the care sector.

How to Use Your Health and Social Care Degree Effectively

To make the most of your health and social care degree, start by exploring the various career paths available. The sector offers a wide range of roles in social work, healthcare administration, therapy, and public health. Think about what interests you most and where your skills best fit.

Next, it’s important to build on the skills you gained during your degree. Continue developing these through professional development and gaining hands-on experience in the field. In addition, gaining practical experience through volunteering or internships is very important. This will  increase your employability, but it will also deepen your understanding of the sector.

Health and Social Care Courses

Health and social care courses provide the skills and knowledge needed to work in the sector. These courses focus on key areas like communication, empathy, safeguarding, and understanding the needs of different groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Students also learn practical care techniques and how to apply relevant laws and policies.

If you’re looking to advance your career, consider enrolling in the Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management offered by Open Learning Academy. This qualification will equip you with the expertise needed to manage care services effectively and take on leadership roles in the sector.

What are the types of Health and Social Care Services?

Health and social care services help individuals live healthier, more independent lives. They range from full-time care to assistance with daily activities. Here are some main types of services:

Residential Care

Residential care provides long-term support in specialised facilities for people who can’t live independently. This includes care homes and nursing homes, where residents receive 24-hour care, medical supervision, and assistance with daily tasks like bathing, eating, and dressing. Moreover, it is often used by older adults, people with chronic health conditions, or those with disabilities who need constant care.

Day Care

Daycare services provide daytime support for individuals who need supervision or social activities but can return home in the evening. These centres offer therapeutic activities, meals, and healthcare services. Additionally, they are especially useful for older adults, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness while also giving caregivers a chance to take a break or manage other responsibilities.

Community Care

Community care helps individuals stay in their own homes or local communities while receiving the necessary support. This includes services like home visits from carers or healthcare professionals, meal deliveries, transportation, and companionship. Community care allows people to remain in a familiar environment, promoting independence and reducing the need for institutional care.

Personal Care

Personal care services assist individuals with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility. Trained carers provide this support either at home or in care facilities. Personal care helps maintain personal hygiene and dignity, particularly for older adults, people with disabilities, or those with chronic health conditions.

Conclusion

A health and social care degree offers many opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives. Moreover, by understanding the various roles in the sector, you can identify where your skills are most valuable. As a result, focusing on skill improvement and committing to ongoing professional growth can help you build a rewarding career.

Whether you choose to work directly with individuals, manage essential services, or influence important policies, the sector provides countless paths to positively impact society. Furthermore, this journey allows you to create meaningful change for individuals and communities alike.