things carers shouldn't do (but from experience have!)

- you should probably know what a sandwich is.

- it is surprisingly simple to avoid spraying someone's genitals at full force with a shower head.

- Being 4 hours late is not ok especially when the person you're working for hasn't eaten or been to the toilet.  They need you there for a reason.

- 'I'm going on a night out' is not a good enough reason to turn up over an hour early.

- Pads do not go in the recycling (and your kids nappies shouldn't either!)

- If at first you fuck it up aim not to fuck up again, or again or...

- Let the person you're working for know that you have heard them.

- Remember the tasks you're asked to complete.  If you forget, ask.  Don't just leave.

- Don't walk away unless you're sure you've finished being spoken to.

- You have keys for a reason. Remember them and don't stand outside banging on the door for 40 minutes if you forget.  It won't help.

- Think about portion size.  Is 1 and a half tins of baked beans really necessary for one person?

- Talk to the person you work for.  Ask them how they are. Seeing someone 3 times a day who only stares at you is pretty isolating.  This will also make your job easier.

- Don't shout or insult the person you work for.

- Don't laugh at the person you work for.  If you can't help it then at least explain why.

- Don't fall asleep on the job.

- Wear deodorant.

- If your feet keep getting wet, wear more suitable shoes or shoe covers - don't take your shoes off in the shower.

- How Mrs Jones likes her back washed is irrelevant.  If someone says you're hurting them, listen.

- Avoid terms like 'change you', 'dress you', 'shower you' etc.

- Your mortgage and family problems are your own business.  Your client is not a counsellor.

- Turn your mobile phone off.  If you have to take an important call then say so.  Don't just stand arguing on the phone in front of a client.

- Do not judge or guilt trip your client about their disability and how hard you perceive they are trying.

- If you break something, apologise - even if you don't think it was directly your fault.