Should I Become a Home Care Giver?
When an elderly or disabled person needs extra support, home care givers can lift the burden from family and friends. These workers, also known as home health aides, perform common duties like cooking meals, helping with household chores, giving emotional support, and providing companionship. They may also be responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, assisting with mobility, and maintaining patient records. Working with challenged adults can be emotionally and physically demanding. Care givers must be fit and protect themselves from injuries when moving, lifting, or caring for others.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | No degree required; most home care givers have a high school diploma |
| Experience | None required; an entry level position |
| Certification | Required in some instances; generally preferred by employers |
| Training | Most home care givers receive on-the-job training |
| Key Skills | Physical strength and stamina, attention to detail, ability to manage time |
| Salary (2020)* | $27,080 per year (median salary for home health aides and personal care aides) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Steps to Become a Home Care Giver
What steps do I need to take to become a home care giver?
Step 1: Complete On-the-Job Training
In most states, home care givers can obtain a position by receiving on-the-job training under the guidance of nurses, experienced care givers, or their supervisors. Many employers offer training programs and employment after successful completion of this instruction. Individuals enrolled in a training program will usually need to complete 100 hours of classroom and hands-on training. Most training programs last less than one month, allowing individuals to quickly enter the workforce.
It's a good idea to build your physical strength. Most home care givers will be required to pass physical examinations to ensure they are capable of performing their duties. Prospective home care givers should work on strengthening their back, arm, and leg muscles.
Step 2: Obtain Formal Education if Necessary
Home care givers who wish to work for certified hospice or home health agencies must receive formal training and pass a certification exam. Some states also require home care givers to complete a formal training program before being employed. Community colleges, elder care programs, and home health agencies often offer formal training programs. Topics covered in a formal training program typically include anatomy and physiology, body mechanics, and procedures for responding to emergencies. Students also learn how to provide non-medical care for the elderly or people with disabilities.
Step 3: Become Certified to Advance Your Career
Although it is not required, many employers prefer applicants who have certification. Those seeking employment with agencies funded by Medicare or Medicaid will need to meet the minimum training requirements and pass a certification exam. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice offers training and an exam that leads to certification upon passing. This certification program involves 75 hours of formal training, a skills demonstration, and a written examination.
You will want to review for the exam. Individuals preparing to take a certification exam should save any materials they received during on-the-job training or in formal training programs. Reviewing materials and practicing skills can help home care givers adequately prepare for the exam.
Home care givers help elderly or disabled people when they need extra support with household or medical care. They usually have high school diplomas, on-the-job training, and the strength and stamina to accomplish their tasks. And, they earn a median annual salary of $27,080.
