Who does what

The dividing line is clinical work. Washing, dressing, meals, moving about the home and company are a support worker's work. Medication, wounds, injections and clinical observations are a nurse's. Diagnosis and prescriptions are a doctor's.

The boundary is regulated, not a preference, and asking a professional to work outside it puts them at risk as well as the person they are caring for.

Can: Help with washing, dressing and personal care; Prepare meals and help with eating; Help with moving around the home; Light housekeeping and errands; Remind someone to take medication they manage themselves; Company, conversation and getting out of the house.

Cannot: Give, adjust or withhold medication; Change a dressing or care for a wound; Give injections or take blood; Assess symptoms or advise on treatment.

If you need something on the second list, you need a different professional — you can find a nurse.

Can: Everything a support worker can do; Give and manage medication; Wound care and dressings; Injections, blood samples and clinical observations; Assess symptoms and escalate to a doctor.

Cannot: Diagnose a condition; Prescribe medication; Order most tests independently.

If you need something on the second list, you need a different professional — you can book a doctor consultation.

Can: Assess symptoms and diagnose; Prescribe and change medication; Order tests and refer on; Review a care plan clinically.

Cannot: Provide day-to-day personal care; Attend an emergency — call 911 for anything urgent.

If you need something on the second list, you need a different professional.

Can: Assess movement, balance and strength; Build and supervise a rehabilitation programme; Advise on mobility aids and safe movement at home.

Cannot: Give or adjust medication; Diagnose a medical condition; Provide personal care.

If you need something on the second list, you need a different professional — you can find a support worker.