Position Overview
A personal caregiver may work in a one on one capacity, hired through references, or suggested or appointed by an organization or facility that provides trained personal caregivers.
Some personal caregivers also work in retirement homes and rehabilitation facilities.
The main work of a personal caregiver is to provide clients with assistance in daily life such as with grooming, toileting, bathing, and dressing.
Position Requirements
To be considered eligible to work as a personal caregiver, you do not need more than a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
However, some organizations may require you to possess some training in looking after patients or clients who may have medical problems. Some employers would want you to be pre-trained, others will train you.
Regardless of where the training comes from, one has to possess some traits as well. That includes the patience, the ability to work tirelessly to provide personal care, exceptional knowledge of patient care procedures, and an inherent love and desire to assist people who may not be able to help themselves.
Personal caregivers are required to possess certification in First Aid and CPR, as they often come across instances where either or both are needed. If you do not like this work, you must not take it up just because it’s work.
An inherent love for helping others is the required ingredient for being able to perform caregiving activities successfully.
Here is a comprehensive personal caregiver job description:
Personal Caregiver Duties & Responsibilities
• Engage clients in conversation to determine their personalities and likes and dislikes.
• Look through clients’ care plans to determine the type and extent of care required.
• Follow established care plans to provide clients with the best in personal care services.
• Assist clients with personal care including bathing, toileting, grooming, and bathing.
• Assist clients in dressing, ensuring that their dignity is kept intact.
• Prepare food according to established diet plans, and assist clients in partaking them.
• Administer medication, or provide medication reminders to clients, overseeing them taking their medicines on time.
• Assist residents with mobility, helping them walk or use wheelchairs and walkers according to instructions.
• Drive patients to and from activities, ensuring their health and wellbeing all through.
• Provide emotional support to clients, helping them through difficult times and emotional turmoil.
• Ascertain that emergency situations are adequately handled, by administering CPR and First Aid as required.
• Monitor clients on a regular basis, and inform family members of changes in medical conditions, moods, or emotional states.