How to Become a Caregiver- BoomersHub Blog

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In 2022, there were about 57.8 million adults aged 65 years and older living in the US, and this aging population is projected to rise each year. There is a rising demand for caregivers in the senior care industry. For many, this is a fulfilling and even noble career choice, but it may not be for everyone.

If you’re curious about how to become a caregiver, this blog is for you. You can learn about the types of caregivers in demand, how to become a licensed caregiver for a family member or others, and so much more. Let’s dive in!

What is a caregiver?

Discover what a caregiver is before you embark on the “become caregiver” journey. A caregiver is someone who is either a paid or unpaid professional responsible for assisting senior clients in activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, and more. In 2023, at least 3.9 million workers will provide personal care and support to elderly adults in their activities, disabilities, or illnesses.

Median Pay in 2023: At least $33,500 per year; $16.12 per hour
Job Opportunity growth (Outlook in the industry from 2023 – 2033): 21% (Growth rate much higher than average).
Essential education requirement: High-school diploma.

6 Key Benefits of becoming a caregiver

Time flexibility helps maintain a satisfying work/life balance.
You are empowering elders to live comfortably in their homes through home care and helping them maintain the normalcy of their lives.
The scope of your work is needed in all kinds of senior care services, from independent living to nursing home care.
No complicated education degree is needed.
While dealing with clients of different ages, you will experience personal growth in your people skills, patience, and skills.
There are opportunities to branch out and explore different career paths.

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Step 1 for becoming a caregiver: Know your calling

One philosophy for success is common in any field: Know your why and your what.

You must be familiar with the types of caregivers popularly known in the senior industry. It will give you a clear idea of which type of caregiver is your calling and why you are interested.

Also, once you figure out why a specific field of caregiving appeals to you, you will learn what skills are needed to qualify.

The 4 Types of Caregivers

There are 4 types of caregivers well-known in the industry, and these are the details:

1. Professional Caregivers

Individuals looking to pursue this career path have to be trained and certified (e.g., in medical care, nursing, etc.) and must have past working experience to be well-employed professionals in this field.

The job opportunities are paid and quite diverse. Here are 12 kinds of specialized professional caregivers:

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) Perform light medical tasks, such as changing dressings, administering medicine, cleaning medical equipment, etc., under Registered Nurse (RN) supervision.
Agency Caregivers: Contracted, often CNA-certified, for various centers like memory care or hospice facilities.
Adult Day Care Caregivers: Daytime social companionship and medical care.
Senior Facility Caregivers: Holistic care in nursing homes.
Assisted Living Caregivers: Assistance for partially independent older adults.
Independent Caregivers: Private, in-home personalized care.
Private-duty caregivers: They provide assistance with daily activities and complicated tasks such as transportation and personal care so that the senior can stay independent.
Hospice/Palliative Caregivers: They provide care and emotional support for patients(at the last stage of life) and their families.
Skilled Nursing Caregivers: Provide specialized medical services, e.g., physiotherapy and other in-home medical care.
Home Health Aides (HHA) are Caregivers who provide personal care at home (e.g., bathing, dressing) or in facilities.
Non-Medical Caregivers: Household help in chores and social support.
Virtual Caregivers: Telehealth monitors patients remotely, providing reminders for medicine and guidance.

2. Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are the most accessible and common type of caregiver in the senior care industry. Family members understand their elders’ care needs best and are generally the most hard-working for their loved ones. Through specific programs like Medicaid, family members can get compensation for being a caregiver. Here are 2 classifications:

Primary Family Caregivers
Part-time Family Caregivers.

3. Volunteer Caregivers

Individuals providing unpaid care via community or non-profit organizations are called volunteer caregivers. There are 3 kinds of such caretakers:

Community Program Volunteers: Support in errands, companionship, light chores, etc.
Hospice Volunteers: Assistance and mental support to patients and families in hospice care.
Respite Care Volunteers: Provide temporary relief for primary caregivers to recover from burnout.

4. Informal caregivers

Usually, these caregivers are unpaid and generally include friends, neighbors, etc., who step in for assistance, such as:

Occasional Helpers.
Non-Medical Personal Attendants.
Community-Based Supporters.

Step 2 on How to become a care giver: Meet the basic requirements

No matter the field you are considering working in, all caregivers must meet the basic requirements before joining somewhere or getting an advanced certification.

Have a high-school diploma or equivalent education qualification.
Meet the age guidelines.
It’s best if you have no past criminal record and pass a background check.
It is best to have a driver’s license or insurance as extra documents.
Do a health check.

Step 3: Work on common skills that every caregiver should have

6 soft skills highly appreciated in caregivers

Observant and able to recognize patterns or changes.
Punctual and time-sensitive.
Being able to communicate and maintain honesty in all aspects.
Being able to emotionally regulate yourself and assist those around you.
Empathy and compassion are essential for working with patients. These qualities build trust and allow you to maintain a meaningful bond with them, which will make your work easier.
You have to be ready to put the client’s needs above your own and prioritize improving their well-being and life quality.

8 Technical skills that help you stay in the recruitment radar

Assist with daily tasks like going to the toilet, dressing, grooming, bathing etc.
Be able to help patients with mobility issues, e.g., sitting up, walking, etc.
Perform housekeeping, e.g., washing the dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc.
Cooking meals based on your client’s dietary guidelines and helping to feed them if needed.
Be able to interpret guidelines set by health experts.
Monitor and interpret vital signs.
Properly administer medicine in a timely. You may need to help with other healthcare tasks.
Provide emotional support and companionship.

Step 4: Start small to gain experience

A significant requirement for being accepted as a caregiver is past work experience. So, to start gaining experience, you can:

Volunteer to take care of a senior family member, neighbor, or acquaintance.
You can check in with non-profit organizations such as The Center for Volunteer Caregiving, Ageways, etc., or local senior care organizations/agencies. While the opportunity will be unpaid, the experience will enhance your resume and build trust with your future recruiters.

Step 5: Find out how to become a certified caregiver and make it official

You must think, “How do I become a caregiver without certification?” Depending on the field you wish to specialize in, here is an example list of certifications commonly required below. Please note that each has links with more details and where to apply.

How long does it take to become a certified caregiver?

In the US, it takes an average of a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on state regulations and the training program guidelines you wish to enroll in.

After choosing your training program and completing clinical hours for practical experience, most programs require you to take a certification exam.

How to become a certified caregiver for a family member?

The process is similar to what has already been discussed. While becoming a certified caretaker for a family member, you must check in with your state guidelines and enroll in the appropriate certificate programs. Legal procedures and end-of-life documents may also need processing.

Step 6: Start Working!

Once you have gained enough part-time experience and completed your certification, it is time you officially get serious as a caretaker. Here are a few steps:

Apply at your local agencies.
Check if any family member needs your care.
Become a part of volunteering organizations
Network with healthcare professionals and look for vacancies that match your qualifications.

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Can I get paid as a caregiver for a family member?

According to a 2023 AARP report, family caregivers spend around 15% of their income on expenses related to supporting their senior family member. Saving money and applying to the relevant state programs that will compensate you is an essential step when considering how to become a family caregiver.

To become eligible for income as a family member’s care provider:

Get the necessary certification.
Find out if your state has programs through Medicaid to pay you.
The website eldercare.gov can help you look up your local Administration on Aging (AAA) agency to assist with some costs.
If your senior is a veteran, the Veteran Directed Care Program provides a budget for at-home care expenses.
Websites such as The Family Caregiver Alliance help you locate funding programs that aid you and your family members.

How to apply for caregiver disability?

Here are the steps:

Determine if you meet the criteria for disability benefits. For instance, to be eligible for Social Security Disability (SDI), you have to be the spouse, parent, or child of the disabled person in question.
Have your paperwork in order.
Apply through the Social Security Administration website or your local relevant office.
Consider other compensation programs, such as the ones mentioned in the previous section.

Final Thoughts

We’re hoping this article gave you enough insight and clear steps on how to become a caregiver. While it can be a fulfilling job, becoming a caregiver requires a lot of mental and physical strength coupled with patience throughout the entire journey. It is important that you provide your loved ones/future clients the best care, but before that, remember to stay well and follow your set path with integrity.

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FAQ

How do I sign up a family member for caregiver services?

Contact local agencies or sign up online for programs such as Medicare based on eligibility.

Can someone get a caregiver job with no medical training?

Yes, the most common one is becoming a family caregiver or personal aide, but in certain cases, specific training is required as per the directives of the patient’s doctors.

How to get paid for being a caregiver for a disabled spouse?

You must check in with your local social security office or apply online based on your state rules. Plans are available that give benefits or waivers based on your situation.

Senior Care

How to Become a Caregiver: Step-by-Step Guide