As the UK’s population ages, the demand for senior caregiving has risen significantly. Whether it’s assisting the elderly with daily activities, offering companionship, or providing specialized medical support, senior caregiving plays a vital role in the UK’s healthcare system. These roles can be ideal for compassionate individuals looking to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and in many cases, employers are open to hiring international workers through visa sponsorship.
In this article, we explore ten senior caregiving jobs in the UK, their requirements, pay rates, locations, visa options, and how to apply.
Also Read: In-Home Care Services Jobs in the USA: Salary, Requirements & How to Apply
Requirements for Senior Caregiving Jobs in the UK
Before applying, here are the general requirements for most senior caregiving positions in the UK:
- Right to Work in the UK (or eligibility for visa sponsorship)
- DBS Check (criminal background check)
- Previous Experience in caregiving or healthcare (often 6 months to 2 years)
- NVQ/QCF in Health and Social Care (Level 2 or 3 preferred, but not always required)
- Good Communication Skills in English
- Compassionate and Patient Personality
- Vaccinations/Health Clearances may be required for some roles
1. Live-in Carer – London
- Location: London
- Salary: £700 – £850 per week
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Employer: Elder.org
- How to Apply: Visit elder.org and fill out their online application form. A video interview and background check follow.
Elder connects live-in carers with elderly clients needing full-time support. Duties include companionship, meal prep, medication, and personal care.
2. Healthcare Assistant – Manchester
- Location: Manchester
- Salary: £11 – £13 per hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Employer: Helping Hands Home Care
- How to Apply: Apply via helpinghandshomecare.co.uk
Helping Hands is known for training newcomers. This job includes personal care, light housework, and companionship services.
3. Senior Support Worker – Birmingham
- Location: Birmingham
- Salary: £23,000 – £28,000 annually
- Visa Sponsorship: May be offered
- Employer: Lifeways Group
- How to Apply: Visit lifeways.co.uk
This role involves supervising junior care staff and assisting seniors with disabilities or complex needs. Prior supervisory experience is a plus.
4. Home Care Worker – Glasgow
- Location: Glasgow
- Salary: £10.90 – £12.00 per hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Employer: Bluebird Care
- How to Apply: Go to bluebirdcarecareers.co.uk
Bluebird Care offers both part-time and full-time roles, including travel time and mileage. Ideal for local applicants and foreign nationals.
5. Night Care Assistant – Bristol
- Location: Bristol
- Salary: £11.50 – £13.00 per hour + night shift bonuses
- Visa Sponsorship: Sometimes available
- Employer: Bupa Care Homes
- How to Apply: Check listings at careers.bupa.co.uk
Night shift roles are suited for those comfortable assisting seniors during nighttime hours. Tasks include hourly checks and medication assistance.
6. Residential Care Worker – Leeds
- Location: Leeds
- Salary: £22,000 – £25,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes (Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa)
- Employer: Anchor Hanover
- How to Apply: Visit anchor.org.uk/careers
Anchor Hanover is one of the UK’s largest elderly care providers. This role focuses on social activities, personal care, and daily routines.
7. Dementia Care Specialist – Liverpool
- Location: Liverpool
- Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 annually
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Employer: HC-One
- How to Apply: Search roles on hc-one.co.uk
A specialist role for experienced carers with dementia training. You’ll help residents with memory loss and behavioral challenges in care homes.
8. Community Care Assistant – Sheffield
- Location: Sheffield
- Salary: £11 – £12.50 per hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
- Employer: Agincare
- How to Apply: Visit agincare.com
You’ll travel between clients’ homes, assisting with meal preparation, hygiene, and errands. A driving license is often preferred.
9. Care Team Leader – Nottingham
- Location: Nottingham
- Salary: £26,000 – £32,000 per year
- Visa Sponsorship: Occasionally available
- Employer: Care UK
- How to Apply: Browse open roles at careukcareers.co.uk
This job involves overseeing care plans, managing staff shifts, and communicating with families and medical professionals.
10. Palliative Care Assistant – Southampton
- Location: Southampton
- Salary: £12 – £14 per hour
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Employer: Marie Curie
- How to Apply: Apply through mariecurie.org.uk
Ideal for those who want to support terminally ill patients. The role involves emotional support, pain management, and overnight visits.
How to Apply for Senior Caregiving Jobs in the UK
To apply for any of the roles listed above:
- Prepare your CV – Highlight caregiving experience, certifications, and soft skills.
- Check Job Portals – Use websites like Indeed, Totaljobs, NHS Jobs, and company career pages.
- Apply Online – Submit applications through the employer’s website or recruitment portals.
- Interview Process – Most companies conduct virtual interviews followed by reference and background checks.
- Visa Application – If you’re applying from abroad, the employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker visa.
Do These Jobs Require a Visa?
Many senior caregiving roles in the UK do require a visa if you’re applying from outside the UK, but numerous employers offer visa sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa scheme. This visa allows international caregivers to legally work in the UK and includes benefits such as reduced visa fees and fast-track processing.
To qualify:
- The job must be on the shortage occupation list.
- The employer must be a licensed sponsor.
- You must meet English language and salary requirements.
Conclusion
Senior caregiving jobs in the UK offer rewarding opportunities for both domestic and international applicants. With growing demand, competitive salaries, and a clear visa pathway for qualified carers, now is a great time to enter this field. Whether you’re already in the UK or applying from abroad, be sure to research each employer, prepare the necessary documents, and choose a role that aligns with your experience and goals.
If you’re passionate about making a real difference in the lives of the elderly, a career in senior caregiving could be the perfect fit.
