Considering a Career in Caregiving? Why This May Be the Career for You

Caregivers assist senior adults or individuals with disabilities or special needs. These professionals work in a range of roles and caregiving responsibilities, from companionship to essential medical assistance. Caregiving requires various levels of training depending on the type of caregiving role you choose. Are you considering a career in caregiving? Here’s why this might be the ideal career for you.

Types of Caregivers

You might be interested in volunteering at a local hospice or wishing to pursue a career in caregiving. There are three types of caregivers, each with its responsibilities and requirements.

Volunteer

Many people discover a passion for caregiving when they volunteer to help a family member or a friend. We all probably know someone who needs extra assistance with housework, companionship, or getting to the grocery store. More formal opportunities exist in nonprofits and hospice organizations where you can help with meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry, but no physical assistance.

Nonmedical

These caregivers provide a broader range of assistance, including help with personal care, hygiene, bathing, dressing, walking, and feeding. They also offer company and help with basic needs around the house.

Nonmedical caregivers do not require clinical training or certification, with agencies providing training as part of the employment process. Each state has distinct training requirements for nonmedical caregivers. These conditions range from no formal training or licensing to a minimum number of training hours, required background checks, and specific licensing.

Skilled Caregivers

A skilled caregiver is known as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). These caregivers must undergo clinical training. In addition to the standard caregiving duties, these professionals also take blood pressure, assist with medical gear, and perform other fundamental medical tasks.

To become a skilled caregiver, you must complete 75 to 100 hours of clinical training as part of a CNA course and pass a state-specific competency exam for certification to practice in your state.

The Benefits of a Caregiving Career

A career as a professional caregiver can be a very fulfilling one. Caregiving can help you become more compassionate, confident and help you gain a greater sense of purpose in life. This profession provides multiple benefits for caregivers.

Finding a Purpose

Finding your place in a stressful and confusing world is not an easy task. A career in caregiving increases the sense of your well-being. When you become a caregiver, you’ll gain clarity in your life through the act of helping others. Purpose creates positivity for the caregiver and all aspects of their lives.

Flexibility

Are you weary of the 9 to 5 routine? Perhaps you don’t enjoy working in an office? Caregiving allows you to create your own schedule, where you can usually pick up more or less hours as you please. The ever-changing needs of clients and families in different situations will also enable you to find a schedule that fits your needs.

A Confidence Builder

You’ll develop confidence when you help those who cannot help themselves. Caregiving provides the unique opportunity to develop relationships where someone might rely on you to support them. You’ll also inspire confidence in others and continually learn new skills and test your capabilities.

Finding Appreciation

There are times when you need to see the world through another person’s eyes to challenge the negativity in your life. When you care for others, you gain a new appreciation for your circumstances. Caregiving allows you to contribute to a greater world while earning the gratitude of those around you. Caregiving is an exciting and rewarding opportunity, and it’s a career route in which you can take pride!

Arbor Associates can help you find a caregiving opportunity that fits your lifestyle.