Medical experts agree that we're living longer.It's a growing concern that personal care for elderly relatives is a concern.You could be taking on the responsibilities of caring for an elderly parent or loved one if you decide to become a professional caregivers.It can be rewarding to work as a personal care giver.
Step 1: Talk to a person in the field.
It is possible to determine if this is the right position for you if you talk to a professional caregivers.It's helpful to get insight from someone who does the job every day.
Step 2: There is a need for people to volunteer.
If this is the right career choice for you, you will want to test it out.There are other volunteer opportunities in your area.You can build your resume by volunteering as a personal care giver.The Area Agency on Aging is a good place to start looking for volunteer opportunities.To find out more about your local agency, you can use the National Association for Area Agencies on Aging.
Step 3: Look at your state's certification requirements.
There are different licensing requirements for at home caregivers in each state.Knowing these in advance will help you find a good fit for you.There are a number of roles you can take on as a personal care giver.There are training and certification processes for different roles.
Step 4: It's a good idea to learn cardiopulmonary intervention.
You will need to know the basics if you want to be a health care worker.You can take courses through the American Red Cross.
Step 5: You must get certified.
You may be responsible for your own training if you choose a different work environment.There are many ways to become a certified personal caregiver.You can take online courses if your state requires it.A 40 hour certification program at the Institute for Professional Care Education costs just under a hundred dollars.The American Red Cross website has a course that will teach you how to be a home health aide.There are courses offered by the Family Caregiver Alliance.
Step 6: You have to earn a degree in nursing.
If your state doesn't require a degree to become a professional caregivers, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant will give you more job options.The program takes between 6 and 12 weeks.You will need a high school or GED to enter a program.The majority of community colleges offer a program.You can find programs in your area through the website.
Step 7: Take the certification exam.
You will need to take the state exam after completing your training.The certification exam is usually offered by your program.You will need to take continuing education courses after you pass the certification exam.Most states require forty-eight hours every two years.
Step 8: You can search for a job.
You want to choose the best work environment for you.There are many places where personal caregivers are hired, such as nursing homes, home care agencies, families, and assisted living facilities.There are facilities in your area that may be hiring.The government website for Medicare is a good place to start.You can use the National Association for Home Care & Hospice Agency Locator to locate your potential workplace.You can find personal caregivers through Indeed.com, or you can look through home care agencies such as Comfort Keepers.You could work for an individual in a non-agency position.Sometimes a state agency can put personal caregivers in touch with people on Medicaid.Do you know if your state has a home care referral registry?
Step 9: Make a budget.
It can be difficult to become a full time caregivers for a relative.Take some time to think about the costs before making a decision.If you are going to quit your current job to care for a family member full time, you should consider not only the loss of income, but also benefits such as retirement and healthcare.A list of costs for caregiving, such as medication, doctor's visits, diet, and any special assistance that might be needed, should be created.Determine what out of pocket costs will be covered by your family member's insurance.
Step 10: A personal care agreement can be made.
Creating a personal care agreement is a good way to deal with a loss of employment.The agreement specifies future compensation, rate of compensation and weekly hourly minimums and maximums.All family members should agree on the personal care agreement.
Step 11: A family meeting is held.
If you have decided to draft a personal care agreement, holding a family meeting to discuss elder care will clarify roles and expectations from the beginning.There should be a family member present at the meeting.If the individual receiving care is well enough to be included in the decision making process, they should also be present to express their wishes.A designated facilitator is needed for the meeting.A clergy member or a social worker could be this person.
Step 12: There is a mediation that needs to be set up.
Elder care can be a difficult time for a family.Professional mediation can help you reach an agreement with your family members.If you decide that mediation is the best route for your family, the National Care Planning Council is a good place to start.
Step 13: Take a photo of your family meeting.
You can record the meeting.You can create a folder that contains any important health care documentation, such as the personal care agreement, records of family meetings, Medicare or insurance information, medical records, Power of Attorney, and so forth.
Step 14: Clarifying family roles is necessary.
Determine who will have Power of Attorney, who can best function as the primary caregivers, what their role and responsibilities will be, and how long they will stay as a secondary caregivers.
Step 15: It's a good idea to make a schedule.
Set up a schedule for other family members to assist in personal caregiving because it can be an all-Consuming job and one that may or may not be compensated.One sibling might be willing to take your relative to doctor's appointments.
Step 16: Clearly communicate.
Although no one likes to talk about death, understanding what your relative wants and being clear about your own limitations can help to circumvent any family arguments.Discuss end-of-life wishes with your loved one.You should make sure the necessary paperwork is up to date.The other family members should be updated by the primary caregivers after the family meeting.A weekly email or monthly video call to family members who aren't local will help keep lines of communication open and allow you to discuss any modifications of the initial plans or newly developed health issues.
Step 17: You should tell your family when you need assistance.
It can be difficult to provide full time care.If you feel like you are the only one who cares for your relative, you might want to take the day off.Other family members might not be aware of the mental, emotional, and physical strains you are going through.Communication can be clear.