Senior caregivers often enter the profession after having personal experience as a caregiver for a relative or friend. Sometimes the best skill a caregiver can bring to their work is compassion for the senior’s daily care needs as they cope with the aging process.
What positions are available for senior caregivers?
Part-time caregiving positions will involve assisting a senior for 2 hours or more, usually starting with a minimum shift of 3 hours, to assist the senior with personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping and errands. Many times seniors who are experiencing memory loss or may be recovering from a stroke or hip replacement will require just part-time care to keep their physical therapy on track and to assist with their activities of daily living. Sometimes, a short bathing visit from 1 to 2 hours, will be scheduled, with a higher pay rate for the hourly shifts because it is a short visit.
Full-time caregiving positions involve continuous care for seniors who have difficulty with ambulation or may be suffering from memory loss or another age-related disease, such as Parkinson’s disease. Assignments may be for 8 or 12 hour shifts or may be 24-hour live-in care where 2 caregivers are rotated throughout the week, with down-time in the evening and the ability to sleep at night.
Senior home care agencies provide for caregiver benefits, as required by law for employees, including contribution to social security tax so the caregiver can collect social security benefits upon retirement and worker’s compensation insurance. Additional benefits such as medical, dental and vision health care and performance bonuses are often also provided, with a requirement for a minimum number of weekly hours in order to quality.
Before interviewing for a caregiving position, a caregiver may learn about job descriptions, policies and take a nursing aide practice test to be better prepared for the interview. Training will involve learning about the proper care techniques for seniors with age-related diseases in addition to learning the hands-on skills required for personal care and transfers.
Companion caregiving positions may not require formal training while nursing aide positions will require certification or the equivalent skill level. You may apply for caregiving positions in your area through our Caregiverlist job application as there is an ongoing need for quality senior caregivers.
