Care Giver Job Description
A caregiver help to people who may have difficulty caring for themselves. A caregiver is patient, responsible and motivated to care for others. According to the Occupational Information Network, a caregiver may also be known under the job title of a home health aide.
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Roles
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) a caregiver helps people who are disabled, cognitively impaired, chronically ill. A caregiver may also provide care to older adults. According to Collegeboard.com, a non-profit that connects students with educational opportunities, a caregiver serves meals; bathes patients; conducts light housekeeping, such as laundry and making beds; gives massages; provides instruction and psychological support to patients; and accompanies patients during field trips.
Environment & Hours
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A caregiver may work in the patient's home and may spend time traveling from one residence to another. Caregivers can also be found in other facilities, such as community care for the elderly. According to the BLS, most work with a number of patients which can last hours, days or weeks. Many workers only work part-time. Some also work evenings or weekends to suit client needs. According to Collegeboard.com, caregivers may work with many patients at once or be hired to work for more than a year with one patient.
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Education & Training
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According to the BLS, to work for certified home health or hospice agencies that receive reimbursement from Medicaid or Medicare, these caregivers must receive formal training and pass a competency evaluation. On the other hand, personal caregivers face a wide range of requirements which vary, depending on the individual State. Usually, they are both not required to have a high school diploma. Caregivers may receive training from nurses, experienced aides or supervisors. Generally, they are also taught how to respond to an emergency and learn basic safety techniques.
Salary
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According to the BLS May 2009 Occupational Employment Statistics Survey Program, a home health aide earned a national average hourly rate of $10.39 and a national average salary of $21,620. The industries that employed the highest number of home health aides included home health care services which offered an average salary of $21,010. Residential mental retardation, mental health and substance abuse facilities offered an average salary of $21,920. Community care facilities for the elderly offered an average salary of $20,770. Individual and family services offered an average salary of $20,620; and nursing care facilities offered an average salary of $21,770.
Outlook
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According to the BLS National Employment Matrix, employment for home health aides are projected to grow much faster than average at a rate of 50 percent through 2018. Expected growth is due to the rise of elderly people in the population.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit elderly women image by leafy from Fotolia.com
