Choosing to become a home caregiver can be a rewarding experience. Caregivers of this type usually are not charged with providing any type of formal medical support to their charges, but instead focus on being a companion who provides transport for errands, doctor’s appointments and other types of outings, sees to the cleaning and meals at home, and in general makes sure the household runs smoothly. While a home caregiver is usually thought of as a profession that caters to the elderly or someone who is recovering from a traumatic illness or injury, these types of support personnel may also be called upon to take care of the home and children when a parent must be out of town for a short period of time. Since requirements for becoming a home caregiver vary from one jurisdiction to another, the training and certification necessary to enter this career field will also vary.
In some jurisdictions, choosing to become a home caregiver means functioning as a business. The caregiver will need to obtain a business license in order to offer his or her services. Taking the time to research any regulations or legislation related to home caregiving will sometimes be necessary in order to obtain registration in a city, parish, or county as part of obtaining that business license. It is not unusual for jurisdictions to require liability insurance or some form of bonding coverage as part of the criteria before an applicant can get a license and formally become a home caregiver.
Even when the process to become a home caregiver does not require obtaining a license, there is still the need to seek some basic training. Many trade schools and community colleges offer courses related to basic caregiving that help the student become familiar with any laws or regulations that may apply to the offering of these types of services. Taking the time to obtain this type of knowledge will often make it easier to obtain work, since potential clients will want to know about the educational background of the home caregiver, as well as what type of training and experience the individual possesses. Even when it is not required, obtaining some sort of liability coverage is also a good idea, since it protects the interests of both the caregiver and the client.
As part of your planning to become a home caregiver, it is important to determine how you want to structure your services. Some caregivers prefer to travel to the homes of clients, providing services for a certain number of hours each scheduled workday. Others prefer live-in situations, allowing the caregivers to provide around-the-clock services to clients. You will also want to focus the scope of your caregiving services, perhaps limiting your clients to the elderly, or children under a certain age, and deciding whether or not pet care is included in the overall client care offering. Once you have complied with all governmental regulations, obtained some type of formal training and determined the scope of your caregiving services, you will be ready to launch your career as a home caregiver.
