working with the elderley in torrevieja

Hi Donna

Its good to read your comments. I dont blame you for wanting to come to Spain as soon as possible, but the work situation here can be very difficult. I have had similar work experience as you, elderly, learning disabilities, and young people in the care system. I havnt seen any jobs at all to work with learing disabilities, and there are no childrens homes here. There are jobs working with the elderly in homes, which are on the coast, and there are some agencies which offer a home help type system. I must say though I have seem very few jobs advertised. I have been in Spain 8 months, and was lucky to get a job fairly quickly, but I know loads of people are struggling to get work, and some end up returning to the UK. Its also very difficult to get a job while you are still living in the UK, no one will consider you until you move here. We made sure we have enough funds to last us for at least one year, but I would advise anyone to cover themselves for two years just to be safe. You also need to be prepared to do any kind of work, as you probably not find exactly what you are looking for. You could try looking on the employment agencies to see what kind of work is on offer, or papers such as sur in english which will give you an idea.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

hi, thanks barb for your reply, it is difficult i suppose and i do realise this from what other people are saying. i am prepared to do anything but again they normally want experience and to be honest i cannot see myself working in a bar, its just not me.

I have thought of just coming out and covering myself financially for 2 years but i worry that after then if i haven't found anything then i too would end up back in the uk and the idea is i sell up here and buy over there. so i don't know i may have to come and retire when i am old but i don't want to do that lol, will struggle on and see what happens, Donnaxx 

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hi Donna. We sold everything and came out here deciding that we would take the risk, we knew that if we didnt get jobs we would lose the lot, especially risky as we have three children. We absoloutely love living in Spain and hope never to return to the Uk unles we really had to. Barbie.

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

hi barb, wish i was that brave! not sure i could just pack up and go in case it all feel apart and knowing my ;uck it would. looks like i will have to save like mad and buy somewhere i can retire to(not that i want to do that, i would have a long while to wait!). good luck in your life and thanks for the advice Donna x

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Dear Barbie:

Congratulations and good luck with that assistance-elderly oriented work. Much needed to have really proffessional people in that field and the government is much supporting that area.

http://www.saad.mtas.es/portal/   Look at this webiste , not in English.... but if you have got  questions, just ask.

Best,

Maria

 

 

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

hi, yes how do we find any agencies or such for this kind of work. i am thinking that the expat community especially would need this kind of service, thanks Donna x

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Make your own ones.!!!! You have got an excellent tradition on this and will unerstand your elderly people very well.!!!

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hi Maria,

Thanks for the website you have suggested, I can read some Spanish, but my daughter is much better than me so I am sure we will manage. I agree with you in that services to British elderly people need to develop properly and profesionally. There is a great need for a service, especially on the coast as a lot of elderly people are becoming more frail and are unable to manage without help. I have noticed that there are some agencies around and there are a few care homes for the elderly, but I am unsure of the quality. I have also noticed inland that there are agencies offering services, but not sure if they are successful or not. It is certainly something worth considering in the meantime.

Kind regards. Barbara

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

yes barb if you consider opening a care agency i will come work for you, Donna xx

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

I think that would be an excellent service and a profitable business. Your people do need it and I think it  would certainly have to  be done by yourselves. You can hire Spanish workers but the direction needs to be by you. Go ahead!

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hi Maria,

I also think this could be an excellent idea, and intend to start to research the potential of such a service immediately. In the UK this kind of service would be monitored very closely, can you please suggest a website or where I may find the reading material to check Spanish regulations. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you. Barbara

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

There has been discussion about theis topic before on the forum - not quite sure where but you could do a search. 

There are a few franchises which are branching out into Spain (such as Sure Care on the Costa del Sol) and I have considered investigating these.  I eventually decided that I should wait until I arrive and have a good look then - its only three weeks away so I can wait!!  Franchises can be very expensive so it would take a lot of research before anyone should commit to this type of thing.

Those of us who have experience of social care should maybe try to meet up and share experiences.  I am a Senior Social Worker and have designed, reviewed and monitored care packages for both older people and people with disabilities.  I also think it might be a good idea to do some voluntary work at the beginning to get a feel for local circumstances and the level of need.

So, anyone up for a meet? 

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hello Claire,

You obviously have a very good level of experience, which is exactly what is needed in this area. I worked as a Manager at a childrens home for Social Services, but have also got a nursing qualification which would be helpful. It could certainly be beneficial to meet up, which are are you moving to, I live approximately 40 minutes inland from Malaga

Barbara

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hi Barbara - I am quite a long way from you - just outside Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.  If there is enough interest then we might be able to get two groups going and we could share our research.

I do think that the Costa del Sol area is probably a bit ahead in terms of big companies setting up services for ex-pats.  There should be more jobs in that area if people don't have the cash or the desire to set up something themselves.

Why don't we try to set up two groups and see what the level of interest is?

 

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hello Claire,

I would certainly be interested in looking at setting a service up, as you say we are going to be in different areas. I am going to start researching this as soon as possible and will let you know what happens. Funnily enough my colleague and I had been discussing this last week, as we know several elderly people who would certainly benefit for some additional help.

Keep in touch.

Barbara

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hi all, see how I think of you even on my hols ? I saw these in free paper (CB) so kept them to post just in case it helps you.

http://www.medcarespain.com/

The one I thought would be useful most is this one. http://www.bsrspain.co.uk/ They were advertising for staff .

I've posted before about others too, in case you didn't see it, it was back in this thread on 21 Feb 2008 9:40 AM

This message was last edited by morerosado on 4/11/2008.

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

More,

Nice to see you posting again. Look forward to your next update of  life in Espana.

PS Just seen your post on the bucket thead.  Hope you are not too cold back in England.

This message was last edited by Impey on 4/11/2008.

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hi Impey & ClaireT

 I've just seen a thread in another forum with info about a lady who works as a home help. Lady said she is fully qualified and has worked in the care field for 15 years. She lives in Villa Martin & has offered to discuss anything & posted her email address. Perhaps she could help you find work.

Send me a PM if you want link as not allowed to post here.

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hello All

Just thought I would resurrect this thread. Im also a Social Work Team Manager with experience of social work with older people and youndger peope with ill health problems or disabilities.

My wife is an experienced carer working mainly with older people.

We were discussing this issue with a friend who volunteers for HELP.  I think the main issue getting in the way is the age old one of money.  As some will know social care in the UK can be quite heavily subsidised but obviously not the case in Spain.

I have been doing some 'work' with the DWP in passporting benefits to qualifying ex pats but no joy despite an EU ruling.

Claire T
Did your idea get off the ground?  I would be interested in meeting up to discuss if you wanted to.  I have a holiday home at the moment but the retirement plan is to move over.  But the sooner the better for me.

Maria
Would there be regulation required for a private social care provider?  I would expect so, but will this need a specialist gestor etc?

Take care all

David

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know

Hi David - I've been out here for about 2 months now and am afraid I haven't really done much to investigate the agency idea.  I did get in touch with HELP who were really nice and they put me in touch with someone who was starting an agency locally.  However, she was having problems with her business partner so she said she might get back to me when things are clearer for her.

I also enquired about working as a Social Worker but that seems to be pretty difficult to do - there is an exam (in Spanish of course) for anyone applying to work with the local authority and you also need to have your qualifications ratified.

I've just got a part-time job with a villa sales company so will see what happens there.  I would however be delighted to meet up with you David, is your house near mine - Orihuela Costa?

 Spam post or abuse? Please let us know