A personal caregiver work in a one-on-one capacity. They are usually hired through references or suggested or appointed by an organization or facility that provides personal care services. 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.
This job requires 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.
Here is a comprehensive job description for a personal caregiver resume.
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 the 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.
- Handle all emergency situations by administering CPR and First Aid.
- Monitor clients on a regular basis and inform family members of changes in medical conditions, moods, or emotional states.
Education 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.
Certification Requirement
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.