Medical experts all agree that the average life-span is longer than ever in history. According to the data issued by the Population Reference Bureau, the number of US citizens older than 65 will double from the current 46 million to a staggering 98 million by 2060. With the same data indicating that most of these senior citizens choose to “age in place”, the need for private caregivers is as high as ever.
When it comes to home care assistance Beverly Hills is no different. More and more people are looking to pursue a career in caregiving or want to learn how to take care of a senior loved one. And one thing any experienced caregiver will tell you is that this job is equal parts challenging and rewarding.
Fortunately, with the rising demand for senior caregivers, becoming a professional caregiver and finding private caregiver jobs in Beverly Hills does not take a lot of effort. But if you are serious about becoming one, you will need to know a few things first, including what the requirements are, how to gain the necessary experience, how to find work as a caregiver, etc. In this article, we’ll break it down for you.
Think about your motivation
Before you decide to take any solid steps, you need to reevaluate your decision and think about what motivated you to pursue a career in caregiving. Do you believe you have what it takes to take care of seniors?
That does not just involve your cooking or housecleaning skills. As a caregiver, you will be faced with a number of challenges, for example helping an immobilized seniors move around the house, which might take tremendous strength and physical prowess.
Having the right motivation can make all the difference when it comes to caregiving, which is why respectable companies like A Better Way in Home Care only hire caregivers passionate about what they do and not simply anyone who sees caregiving as just another job.
Ask a caregiver for advice
If you’re still interested in pursuing a career in caregiving, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional caregiver to get a sense of what it is they do every day and what challenges they face in their profession. This insight will help you manage expectations but also find out which skills you’ll need to polish before you start.
Volunteer at a local medical facility
The best way to get a clear sense of what this job entails is to volunteer at a local medical facility, whether it’s a hospital, a nursing home or other facility providing similar services. Volunteering will also help you build a stronger resume, which will definitely be useful once you start looking for a job as a caregiver.
Find out the state requirements
Every state has different caregiver license requirements, meaning you’ll have to get familiar with the requirements in the area where you’re looking for work as a caregiver.
However, different companies and agencies have different requirements. For example, A Better Way in Home Care requires at least five years of relevant experience, at least three references and no special certificates.
Get a CNA degree and a CPR Card
Even though California does not require caregivers to carry a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) degree, earning one will definitely open up more employment options. The program takes between six to twelve weeks to finish and you will need five hours of beginner training before working with a client. One of the program requirements is having a GED or high school diploma. You can find the CAN program in most community colleges.
Learning CPR is another useful skill that might come in handy once you become a caregiver. You can find CPR courses both in person and online through the Red Cross.
Look for a job
Once you’ve met all the requirements, you should start compiling a list of agencies hiring caregivers in your area. You can look at the Medicare website to search for nursing homes in your area. If you want to be an independent caregiver, there is a number of options as well. You could look for jobs through websites such as Indeed or find work through a caregiver referral agency such as A Better Way in Home Care.
