Free Online Social Care Courses

1. Fundamentals of Health and Social Care

A popular course, it unpacks the difference between health and social care, and some of the rules and regulations around both found in the US specifically.

2. Understanding Social Care

If you’re a total beginner and are unsure if social care is the right field for you, complete this course to understand what is entailed in providing support for everyone from vulnerable children to adults who are facing the end of their lives.

3. Working in the Health and Social Care Sector

Another great course if you’re considering entering this demanding but satisfying field. It is based on UK principles but has universally applicable learning around communication, recognising abuse and how to keep accurate records of care given.

Broadly speaking, social care refers to all forms of support and assistance given to children, young people and adults who need extra care of some type. In the UK, it specifically means ‘the provision of social work, personal care, protection or social support services to children or adults in need or at risk, or adults with needs arising from illness, disability, old age or poverty’ according to Wikipedia. 

It all depends on where you work and the needs of your patient. Your work environment could be:

• Domiciliary (you work in their house)

• Nursing, residential or old-age home

• Day centre

You will generally have to provide emotional support and help with physical tasks they can’t manage. You may also have to assist with administration and perhaps sourcing other support or funding for them. In some cases, you may oversee other workers and ensure they have what they need to look after people with a wide range of challenges.