Short answer: A care assistant focuses on personal care and daily living tasks (washing, dressing, meals, mobility), usually in care homes or home care. A support worker focuses on independence and life skills (budgeting, travel, community access), often in supported living or community settings.

Key takeaways

• Care assistants provide hands-on personal care and day-to-day support.
• Support workers empower people (often with learning disabilities or mental health needs) to live independently.
• Entry routes are similar; many begin without formal qualifications and then complete a recognised Level 2 Adult Care Certificate.
• Both paths offer progression to senior roles with a Level 3 Adult Care Certificate.

What does a Care Assistant do?

Care assistants provide direct, personal care for adults who may be elderly, disabled, or living with long-term conditions. Tasks include washing, dressing, continence care, assisting with meals, safe mobility, and medication prompts. Roles are commonly based in care or nursing homes or via domiciliary (home) care.

What does a Support Worker do?

Support workers help people live as independently as possible. They often work with individuals who have learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs, focusing on choice and participation — e.g., budgeting, cooking, travel training, community activities, and building confidence.

Settings and typical employers

• Care Assistant: Care homes, nursing homes, domiciliary/home care agencies, day centres.
• Support Worker: Supported living services, housing associations, charities, community outreach and mental health services.

Training and qualifications

You can start either role without prior qualifications, then study a recognised course to build confidence and progress. Many learners begin with the Level 2 Adult Care Certificate (RQF), then move to the Level 3 Adult Care Certificate (RQF) for senior or specialist positions.

Pay and progression

Entry-level pay is similar across both roles and can rise with experience, responsibilities (e.g., complex care), shift patterns, and qualifications. With further study and experience you can progress to Senior Care Worker, Care Coordinator, or Care Home Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the core difference between the roles?

Care assistants provide personal care and daily living support; support workers focus on independence, skills, and community participation.

Where do they work?

Care assistants usually work in care/nursing homes or home care. Support workers typically work in supported living, community or mental health services.

Do I need qualifications to start?

Not always. Many start without formal qualifications, then study the Level 2 Adult Care Certificate to build skills and progress.

Can I switch or progress between roles?

Yes. With experience and a Level 3 qualification you can move into senior, coordinator, or management roles.

Bottom line

Choose Care Assistant if you prefer hands-on personal care. Choose Support Worker if you enjoy coaching independence and community participation. Either way, a recognised Level 2 or Level 3 qualification will strengthen your CV and open doors to senior roles.