I worked as a home carer for sixteen years and saw the service go from efficient and a worthwhile job in 1994 which I enjoyed and felt really committed to, to a complete shambles when I retired in 2009. Pay became a huge issue, with constant reductions in payments for travelling, weekend/bank holidays, holiday pay was constantly challenged, and the turn over in staff unprecedented. It now sounds even worse and take it from me that there is no way a frail confused patient can be given adequate care in 15 minutes! actually no one could!! Most people who go into Care work start out with a real commitment, but sadly get completely disillusioned and simply can cope with the pressure, and bewilderment of their clients at being treated so shabbily by the company that employs their carer, that they leave. One thing though, if your contract states that you work for 16 hours a week, then there is nothing the company can do to make you work longer than these hours. They can threaten you and try to use intimidation, but legally they cannot make you. If they sack you then the next step is suing them unfair dismissal. Your contract is a legal document and cannot be over ridden.