Senior caregiving offers fulfillment beyond a paycheck, as you are able to become a needed companion and make a positive difference in a senior's day. By providing one-on-one care for a senior, caregivers are able to provide emotional support, along with assistance with "activities of daily living", also called "ADL's" in the senior care industry.
Senior caregiving positions are available part-time and full-time, as seniors often need only part-time care when recovering from a major surgery or when they are just beginning to develop dementia or another age-related disease.
What training is required to become a senior caregiver?
- Companion Caregivers only need compassion, personal experience and to complete training provided by a Senior Home Care Agency
- Certified Nursing Aides must complete a C.N.A. training course and pass their state exam
- Certified Home Health Aides also must complete a training course and pass a state exam in state's which offer this
Positions are available in nursing homes, assisted living communities, hospices and senior home care agencies. In addition, many hospitals hire companion caregivers for "sitter" services as they do not have enough nursing aides to assist with one-on-one care.
You may enhance your skills by taking practice nursing aide exams, reading senior care training briefs and viewing caregiver training videos. Benefits are usually available for caregivers who work full-time. You may also learn more by talking with other caregivers or reading caregiver stories.