Getting a Job as a Senior Caregiver
For people who are passionate about helping others and enjoy working in a setting with elderly adults, becoming a senior caregiver can be a very rewarding career. Finding a caregiving job is not very difficult to do and the overall outlook for this field is very positive. The first step in finding a senior caregiver job is to learn the required qualifications and training, different settings where a caregiver might work, and the typical job duties.
Qualifications and Training
Many caregiving jobs require that the applicant have at least a high school diploma or GED, but this is not always necessary. The training requirements for caregivers vary from state to state, so it is important that applicants research what qualifications are necessary for their state before applying for a position or advertising themselves as a caregiver. While some states do not have any formal training requirements, others require some schooling or the completion of a program before beginning work. Additionally, special certification is necessary when working with agencies that receive Medicare or Medicaid. Many nursing homes or agencies offer on-the-job training for individuals with no experience.
Job Opportunities
While many caregivers work in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, there are plenty of other options for providing senior care. For instance, job seekers can find jobs in adult home care Massachusetts or help seniors who wish to continue living in the comfort of their own homes.
Job Duties
While the exact job duties of a caregiver will vary depending on the setting where he or she works and the specific needs of the senior, the main role of caregivers is to help people with Activities of Daily Living, which includes:
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Eating
- Dressing
- Walking
- Moving from place to place
Caregivers may help with many other activities such as cooking meals, providing transportation, completing housework tasks, administering medication, and providing companionship.