A caregiver is anyone who provides care to another person. Most people confuse them for nurses, but caregivers have unique qualifications and responsibilities. A caregiver is anyone who helps another person with daily activities like medical appointments, grocery shopping, showering, and meal preparation. Professional care providers need training in specific trades.
Types of Caregivers
There are four primary caregivers/care providers: private duty, independent, family, and respite. A private duty caregiver offers their services through an agency and is bonded and insured. Families hiring the service will generally receive a backup if the scheduled caregiver isn’t available for their shift.
An independent caregiver is also private but doesn’t work through an agency, meaning they offer cheaper services. Families need thorough review and screening before letting an independent caregiver into their homes. A family caregiver is a member of the family who takes care of the senior, injured, disabled, or incapacitated person in need of care.
Respite care providers offer their services for a short-term to give the family caregiver a break. They can be independent or private duty caregivers. Working with each caregiver has its unique advantages and drawbacks, so reviewing options before hiring is vital. The priority is to hire qualified professionals who can provide the needed assistance.
Qualifications and Traits
There’s no standard certification/education level set for those who want to become caregivers. Requirements vary from state to state. Some require at least 40 hours of training, while other states call for 120 hours of classroom education and training. Caregiver agencies also depict unique standards, including background checks, rigorous interviews, and ongoing training.
Popular caregiver traits and qualities include patience, excellent communication, empathy, flexibility, and dependability. The caregiver should also stay updated on the best practices and emerging changes in caregiving. Agencies use seminars and short training courses to bring everyone up to speed on the new efficiencies, standards, procedures, and technologies.
A caregiver should be comfortable with home chores, such as meal preparation and cleaning. Some clients need specialized skills, such as experience with Alzheimer’s and dementia care and emergencies. The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or GED, and the caregiver will acquire other skills on the job.
What a Caregiver Does
The caregiver job description includes various roles, primarily targeting daily living activities. A typical caregiver will provide the following help:
• Housework including cleaning, shopping, and meal preparations
• Transportation to doctor appointments
• Purchasing and organizing prescribed medication
• Monitoring client medical conditions
• Communications with doctors/health professionals
• Assisting with sitting, walking, showering, grooming, and dressing
• Managing finances/paying daily bills
• Advocating for the client
A caregiver will assist with all routine tasks, allowing the client/senior to continue their daily schedule without moving into a facility. Other benefits include peace of mind and cheaper costs than assisted-living homes.
Working With Home Caregivers
Choosing a home caregiver is a massive undertaking that involves entrusting someone else with a loved one. It’s vital to confirm the caregiver’s qualifications, ask for referrals, and take the time to find the best candidate.
Ballinger Home Health & Hospice provides compassionate care and advanced medicine, close to home. Clients will find trained and passionate care providers ready to provide home health and hospice care. The team focuses on safe, effective, affordable, and high-quality services.
