Caring for someone who is elderly, disabled, or convalescing in the comfort of their own home allows them to maintain a higher sense of security and dignity. Patients even recover faster when they are cared for at home. Professional home caregivers give respite to the primary caregiver in the family, who otherwise would have to be present around the clock. Although you don't need to have postsecondary education to become a caregiver, caregiver jobs are ideal for people with a high degree of empathy.
Caregivers provide personal care such as changing clothes and bathing, plan and prepare meals, change dressings, administer medications, provide companionship, and assist with household tasks like laundry. They are especially important to ease a patient back into their home routine after leaving a hospital or nursing care when instructions for care and adjusting the home to any new disabilities or challenges can be confusing or forgotten by the patient.
Caregiver positions can have various titles including personal support worker or home health aide. You can expand your search by looking under the broad category of service jobs. Here are some related jobs to look at as well:
Most caregiver jobs require some specialized training, either through college courses or training programs specifically for home healthcare. And you can always take non-required classes to build your skills and increase your employment opportunities. Programs are provided in person and online, in as little as four months. The typical curriculum for a caregiver training program includes classes in:
Some states require a specific license or certification from a regulatory authority. Check the requirements in your area. In addition, caregiver providers and families may require first aid certification. Look at this caregiver job description for more specific qualifications you may need as a caregiver. Detail-oriented and compassionate people with integrity, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina are particularly suited to being caregivers.
Whether you're seeking a caregiver job through an organization or for a private family, you'll need to outline your skills and experience on a well-organized resume. Monster has put together a sample and template for a caregiver resume and a caregiver cover letter to help you impress hiring managers and families.
Your interview with the agency or family is a great opportunity to talk about your skills and desire to work as a caregiver. It allows them to see if you're a good fit for their needs. Monster has put together interview questions from our career experts to help you prepare.
Caregiver salaries vary depending on where you are in the U.S. The median pay for a caregiver is $12.66 per hour, with wages ranging from $10.65 to $16.19. Plug your location into Monster's Salary Tool to find out what you can expect to make as a caregiver in your area. You'll also discover high-demand locations for caregivers and potential next steps in your career.
Are you ready to care for someone in need? Click on the caregiver jobs on this page to start your search. Also remember to create a profile on Monster so you can get noticed by recruiters, get custom job alerts, and more.