How to become A Caregiver

• Caretaker
• Carer
• Home Health & Personal Care Aide

What do Caregivers do?

A Caregiver would typically need to:

• Provide practical help to children, people with physical or learning disabilities, older people or families in completing their daily routine efficiently
• Assist with bathing, dressing, eating, taking the prescribed medicine, cooking, shopping and light household chores while encouraging the client to be independent
• Help clients with ambulation and mobility around the house or outside to attend doctor’s appointments, go on walks or go shopping
• Provide a pleasant company and emotional support to their client; manage essential activities such as planning & preparing meals and medical care
• Encourage the client to make proper health-related decisions such as sticking to a desirable diet plan and staying hydrated
• Record and report changes in the client’s dietary habits to a supervisor or physician-in-charge
• Assist or supervise the client who can self-administer the medication; follow physician orders and legal protocol to administer medications to a client who is unable to do so
• Stay abreast of the current medication policies and procedures
• Encourage the client to socialise, develop healthy friendships and participate in appropriate leisure activities
• Keep the client under close professional observation and report any unusual physical or emotional developments to the supervisor or physician-in-charge
• Maintain a clean, safe and orderly environment around the client
• Act promptly, positively, and as per proper procedure in case of an emergency

Caregivers typically work in their clients’ homes; some choose group homes or care communities. Some may work with only one client, while others work with multiple clients. Caregivers work with their colleagues in shifts so that the client always has an aide. Travel may be required to help the client continue work and remain active in their communities.

Most Caregivers work full time, although part-time work is also standard. Their work schedule may include evening, night and weekend shifts or even emergency on-call duties based on the client's needs.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Caregivers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Caregivers are generally employed by:

• Retirement Communities
• Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly
• Individuals & Family Services
• Residential Intellectual & Developmental Disability Facilities
• Home Healthcare Services
• Charities
• Non-Governmental Organisations
• Private Residential Care & Nursing Homes
• Government Agencies

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Caregivers Association (ICA), are crucial for Caregivers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Musculoskeletal problems and back pain from handling heavyweight patients; fatigue and leg issues from being on one’s feet for most of the day
• Risk of slipping and falling on slick surfaces while moving patient beds or stretchers
• Exposure to infectious diseases and hazards
• Managing the violent or problematic behaviour of a client with cognitive impairment or mental health issues
• Unpleasant tasks such as changing soiled bed linens and emptying bedpans, among others
• Lack of work-life balance due to the demanding nature of their job
• Increased susceptibility to burnouts and exhaustion

Caregivers require at least two years of management experience in social care, healthcare, nursing or social work settings. 

Try to find paid/unpaid internships, placements or volunteering opportunities that allow you to care for someone who is ill or disabled to offer proof of your commitment to course providers and employers while also acquiring the necessary skills. 

Working with your own family may equip you with the skills needed to care for those with mental health issues, learning disabilities and more.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working as Caregivers or in the social service industry to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Although some employers do not ask for formal educational credentials, Caregivers require a high school diploma or equivalent to practice their profession.

However, consider acquiring a diploma or certificate from a community college or vocational school to prove your competence and expertise in health and social care. 

The programs ideally impart specialist skills such as safe lifting & movement, dealing with dementia, helping with diabetes, caring for stroke victims, ensuring food safety and supporting loved ones through a range of challenges.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation demonstrates a Caregiver’s competence in first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), automated external defibrillator (AFD) and emergency care.

You may want to acquire additional certification in primary caregiving, certified nurse assistant training, home health aide training and caregiving for specific needs & conditions to stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics in addition to ensuring the optimal comfort of patients and their families. A combination of education, training, experience, background checks and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region.

A valid driver’s license, obtained as per your state’s requirements, may be necessary if your employers expect you to work in different locations. 

Experienced and competent Caregivers have a plethora of diverse job opportunities to advance their careers. You can become a Senior Care Assistant or Supervisor.

Large private healthcare agencies, voluntary organisations and charities are often on the lookout for accomplished professionals to fill Regional Manager positions and supervise less experienced colleagues.

Additional qualifications and experience would help you move into social work or nursing. You may become a Nursing Assistant or work in commissioning posts with local government social services departments and trusts before moving into management roles.

Besides, you may become a Nurse Assistant after acquiring requisite academic qualifications and certification.

Caregivers who choose to become Consultants get to advise care providers and contribute to research and policy on issues of social care management. Setting up a new care service is also a viable option after acquiring significant experience and building a reliable network of clients. 

Candidates with a diploma in health and social care, requisite certification and prior work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Caregiver build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Consider attending external courses on issues surrounding hygiene, health & safety, lifting techniques and taking care of a particular age group of patients to enhance the knowledge you will obtain through the formal on-the-job training offered by your employer.

Sometimes your employer may sponsor higher education programs such as a postgraduate degree in management or a specialism such as dementia care. 

CPD also helps in the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licenses besides allowing you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Why Hire A Caregiver?

Senior clients can choose to remain at home and continue with their daily routine with the help of an in-home Caregiver who helps with laundry, cooking, medication reminders and personal care. This arrangement offers much-needed relief to the patient’s family members as well.

Besides, efficient Caregivers, who can render care 24/7/365 or as per the client’s needs, are easier on one’s pocket than admission to a trustworthy residential care facility. 

Some locations have insurance coverage for in-home care, further reducing the financial burden on the patient and their loved ones.

All In the Name of Caregiving

Private-duty Caregivers come through an agency that typically screens, bonds, and insures suitable candidates. Families can get a substitute from the agency if the regular professional cannot make it to a shift.

Private or independent Caregivers live with the family 24/7. They cost less than their private-duty counterparts in terms of salary, but the family that hires them is entirely responsible for their upkeep.

Family Caregivers may be the children, spouse, partner or other family members of the individual in need of assistance. They choose to take care of their loved ones and may not receive compensation for their services. They may also need to take up a regular job in addition to the caregiving responsibilities.

Respite Caregivers provide occasional care to give the regular family Caregiver a well-deserved break. They may be private-duty or independent but are not there for the long haul.

Family friends or neighbours comprise informal Caregivers who are not directly related to the patient. However, the nature of their relationship with the patient usually rules out any monetary payment.

Volunteer Caregivers work in respite or hospice care to provide timely breaks for the long-term Caregivers of individuals with a disability, chronic illness or frailty. The patients themselves also get amicable non-medical companionship and supervision.

Caregiver vs Nurse

Often overlooked, the differences between a Caregiver and nurse can affect the nature of care given to the client/patient. 

Nurses have the licence to administer tube feeding, regular injections, medications and IV therapy. They must obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree and appropriate certifications along with work experience before beginning formal practice. Nurses rarely need more than a few hours/week with the patient to monitor their recovery and to follow the instructions of the physician in charge. 

While Caregivers do not have the academic qualifications, certifications, work experience or licenses mentioned above, they play a vital role in helping their clients lead a reasonably independent life. The close ties they develop with clients while assisting them with their daily tasks fill a gaping need for an efficient and empathetic companion.

Background Checks

Caregivers, especially those hired through agencies, undergo rigorous background checks and interviews to provide optimum client safety and care. They complete medical checks that detect diseases such as tuberculosis and diabetes and background checks to ensure the recipients of their services (children, vulnerable adults or injured persons) feel secure.

58% of caregivers provide more than 10 hours of care for a loved one each week.

While it will be stressful and overwhelming at times, Caregiving will allow you to experience a strong sense of fulfilment and pride when your personal touch helps an individual in need look forward to living life with positivity and dignity.

In the process of caring for others, do not turn a deaf ear to your own needs; remember to care for and pamper yourself, if necessary.