How to Become a Personal Care Giver
Becoming a personal care giver is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. While not performing any nursing or medical duties, you are directly responsible for the care of another individual, such as cooking, cleaning and helping with personal hygiene. The salary is not high, but the satisfaction you will receive from being there to help another person is priceless. Being a personal care giver is not without its stresses, and it takes a strong person to succeed at it.
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Instructions
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Become CPR and first-aid certified. This will help you be prepared in the event of an emergency and will aid in your credibility. If you are planning on becoming a personal care giver for infants, note that CPR and first-aid training for infants is different. The Red Cross in your area will have information on classes available.
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Apply to work with companies and organizations that provide personal care. This will help get your foot in the door and help get you experienced in personal care giving. These companies are almost always in need of qualified people. Personal care givers within these companies often transport their client to doctor appointments or grocery stores, cook, clean, and help with personal hygiene, such as teeth brushing, hair brushing and bathing.
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Start advertising your services. Once you are certified in CPR and have some care-giving experience behind you, you will be more apt to attract new clients. Post fliers, or advertise online or in the classified sections of newspapers.
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Ask for referrals. Ask not only friends and family members, but also current clients. If you are providing care for the elderly, they will most certainly know other elderly people in need of some assistance as well.
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Keep a detailed calendar and appointment book. These people are counting on you, and paying you, to provide them with the personal care they need and desire. If you miss an appointment or scheduled visit, it could have devastating results and lower your chances of having repeat clients and referrals.
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Tips & Warnings
Network with other personal care givers so you can help each other in the event of one of you becomes ill or unable to work.
Be prepared to let go. Often caregivers get attached and have a hard time leaving their clients when the time comes.
