Article Contents
Introduction
Caring for your loved ones is a noble job. Many family members decide to become a caregiver for their loved seniors. This also enables them to better care for the person. Do you know how to become a caregiver in 2022?
The process is not simple at all. Becoming a caregiver requires you to fulfill specific requirements. You may also need to get certified as well.
And there are many things to know about as caregivers. We will look into all of those in brief. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our discussion.
What Is a Caregiver?
Caregivers are people who care for others. This is literally what the term means. But there is more to it than that.
Caregivers support people who cannot go about their daily lives. This group of people can be elderlies, disabled people, dementia patients and others. A professional caregiver works at home, in skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes.
Understanding caregivers will enable you to choose your profession. You can either work as a volunteer or as a paid caregiver. The job of caregivers is hectic, fun and significant.
What Makes a Great Caregiver?
The most essential quality of a great caregiver is helping others. There are many more qualities too. Here are a few things that make any caregiver a great one.
- Being kind, compassionate, patient and caring.
- Being dependable, reliable and professional.
- Having the ability to communicate with everyone clearly.
- Getting along with personalities at the facilities and acting as a senior living guide.
- Having physical, mental and emotional stamina to work in a demanding environment.
- Having a basic knowledge of medications, health care and medical conditions.
- Being sensitive to complex situations of others.
- Having minimum education qualifications.
- Being honest and putting others’ health first.
Job Requirements of a Caregiver
Working as a caregiver is not an easy task. You will need to fulfill specific caregiver requirements. Any agency would want the fulfillment of the following 3 caregiver qualifications:
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
As the name suggests, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) gives caregivers certification in nursing. It is a state-run certification that trains and certifies caregivers. Also, CNA involves training on medical conditions and their treatments. It is a highly accepted certification for seniors.
2. Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
Personal Care Attendants (PCA) are homemakers. What does this mean? This means that PCAs are qualified to take care of the everyday chores at home. Thus, they don’t have many qualifications and aren’t highly educated. But some states require training hours for caregivers to become PCA.
3. Home Health Aide (HHA)
HHA is quite like CNA. But their activities are limited. HHA is a state-run caregiving license. So, caregivers need to go through some training and exams before getting this certification.
How to Become a Caregiver: 6 Simple Steps
If you want to become a caregiver for family members, you need to do a few things. It’s not at all straightforward. Family caregivers need to know a few things before they can become caregivers. Here are 6 steps to follow for every prospective caregiver.
1. Determine eligibility for Medicaid’s Self-Directed Services Programs
Medicaid gives financial assistance to caregivers as well. This program is known as the Self-Directed Medicaid Services program. This name can vary from state to state. Seniors and older patients can get enrolled in this program. They can use the budget to hire caregivers. So, caregivers can enroll here too for their professional careers.
2. Get into community-based service programs
Many seniors are eligible for Home and Community-Based Service Programs (HCBS). HSBC programs involve giving services to caregiver homes like assisted living. Medicaid beneficiaries can also receive this program. Other patients and disabled seniors are also eligible. The HCBS program helps caregivers to have fewer financial burdens. They can also get trained on quality assurance in the meantime.
3. Determine veteran aid eligibility
Veteran care programs are very famous in the US. They have the Aid and Attendance option as US veterans. This program assigns caregivers for assisted on daily living activities. You can quickly get in one and help the veterans to lead a better life after retirement.
4. Know about long-term care insurance policy
This insurance policy provides payment to family members working as caregivers. So, you need to know about it first. And then, you will need to determine if your loved one has it.
5. Learn about paid leaves for caregivers
Many care agencies do not offer paid leaves. This is because the job of a caregiver is compassionate and need-basis. As a result, you may not get paid leaves to spend time with your family. But there are still agencies that will do that for caregivers. You should consider getting employed in such a care-providing service.
6. Determine if your family is willing to pay you
As family caregivers, you are saving a lot of money for your family. So, the last thing you need to determine is whether your family will pay you or not. As a professional caregiver, you can contact a lawyer and be ready for this situation. You can also create a legal contract where you get enough payment for your works.
Conclusion
Now you know how to become a caregiver for a family member. Yet, the process is not so simple!
When it comes to becoming a caregiver, the process can vary depending on your experience, qualifications, and the needs of the person or people you’re caring for. However, some tips on becoming a caregiver include researching different policies and eligibility requirements, getting into community-based service programs, networking with other caregivers, and getting certified.
We have many advisors working for us. You can reach out to them for better suggestions and information on this. And you can read our blogs to know more about senior care options and senior care payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to become a caregiver for a family member?
To become a caregiver for a family member, you should first assess your own needs and abilities. Make sure you are emotionally and physically capable of caring for another person before taking on the responsibility. You may also connect with Family Caregiver Support Program and other resources that can provide additional support and advice.
How to become an independent contractor caregiver?
To become an independent contractor caregiver, you will need:
- certification of basic knowledge about the profession
- a high school diploma or GED certificate,
- general housework skills
- a valid driver’s license with clean driving record, if you provide transportation services
How to become a home caregiver?
There are two ways to become an in-home caregiver. One is by volunteering as a caregiver, and the second one is, making a career as a personal caregiver.
If you want to become a volunteer in-home caregiver, generally, you do not need any training or specific degree. However, you should be over 18 years old, flexible, and know how to respond and maintain a safe environment in time of emergencies.
If you want to be a paid personal caregiver, you will need to complete some form of further education or training. Depending on the state you live in and the agency you work for, you may also need to become certified. You should be adaptable, have a strong understanding of standard practices to assist patients with activities of daily living, and be a compassionate advocate for your patients.
