How to Become a Self-Employed Caregiver

The government funds programs for individuals who are unable to live sufficiently on their own. Many of these individuals stay with their parents; most are graduates from special education programs. If family members are unable to provide complete care, these individuals end up in a group home setting. For many, the group home doesn't work out, and they end up being assigned to a sponsored residence. If you could get into this program, you'll work out of your home, provide care and get paid a professional's salary.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Locate your city's or county's social services offices. They coordinate development and training for the mentally and physically challenged. Know that they also coordinate the welfare for people unable to live independently due to medical reasons. Ask them for the names of the companies in your area that provide group home services. Obtain a sponsored residential application from each of these companies.

2. Get fingerprints done for every adult in your family, and complete forms allowing these companies to conduct a criminal background check on you. Know that the legal forms you have to fill out will depend on what city and state you live in. Create a resume highlighting your skills in providing care to your own kids or someone else. Do one for every adult in the family. Submit a list of references listing people that can vouch for your ability to provide care.

3. Set aside enough money for a 90-day emergency fund. This shows the sponsored residential company proof that you're good at managing your finances. Keep this fund to protect you in case there's a delay in your receiving payment. Purchase three-day emergency supplies for the person you intend to care for, following the itemized list the company gives you. Have a building inspector inspect your home so that you can get a certificate of occupancy. Obtain renter's or homeowner's insurance.

4. Attend a medication aid training course if you're required to provide medication. Go to additional classes that the company schedules you to take to learn how to be a caregiver using their rules. Get first aid and CPR qualified. Get a first aid kit for in-home use, and one for emergency travel. Thoroughly clean your home, and have needed structural repairs done. Get a fire extinguisher for the spaces in your home that your client is going to have access to. Make your home handicapped accessible if you want to provide care to the disabled.

5. Get a four-drawer filing cabinet that you'll dedicate to your client's medical records, files and medicines. Make sure that this is accessible only via a lock; also purchase a lockable container for all sharp materials. Create a fire exit plan containing a diagram of the entire home, and listing the escape routes. Post this in the rooms that your client will have access to. Receive important and emergency numbers from the company for posting near entertainment stations your client will use.

Tips & Warnings

• Examine the personality of everybody in your family. Recall how your family members reacted to stress. Ask yourself some questions: How did someone react to their favorite belonging being destroyed? How receptive are family members to having to sacrifice their wants for someone else's? How have they reacted to having complete strangers staying with them? Ask each of your family members how they feel about having someone move in. Do most the steps before you apply to provide home care to a client, or to your mentally or physically challenged family members. In some States, all that's required is that one member be licensed to be a medication aid. Send the academically most inclined person to the training. Cycle every adult through the medical screening; and through required training.

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