Caregiving: A Career Where You Will Always Find Employment

It has been a norm in the United States and other developed countries that once a person becomes old or is incapable for taking care of himself due to mental or physical problems, the family will immediately send him to nursing homes – a type of facility that provide long term care for elderly beings. It is housed with experienced therapists, caregivers, and other nursing staffs who will provide continuous nursing care or 24-hour supervision to less active or frail elderly people.  

With the great number of people being sent in nursing facility every year, I can say that caregiving or nursing aide will always be one of the careers where you can find employment, even in a slow economy. So for those who have a dedication of helping others but do not have enough money to obtain a degree in medicine, caregiving is an ideal option.

I’ve worked as a resident caregiver in one of the private institutions based in Georgia before I become a nursing assistant. And based on my experiences, I can say that caring someone who badly needs your help is really overwhelming and fulfilling to the heart. The salary is not bad especially for someone who has no working experience yet as it ranges from $8.91-$12.70 per hour.  Working beyond your schedule is also paid fairly. Moreover, if your client comes from a well-off or generous family; expect to receive a higher bonus especially if they are impressed with the service you provide to their loved ones.  

Just like any other professions, there are also some qualifications required for caregiving jobs. The applicant should be at least 18 years of age and possesses that caring personality. It is also important for a caregiver applicant to have a license since he or she is expected to promote a healthy living for adult by assisting in their activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, toileting, shopping, cooking, cleaning the house and managing schedules appointments. Helping in taking the medicines and monitoring the vital signs of elders depending on the recommendation of their attending physician is likewise included in the day-to-day tasks of a caregiver. When taking the vital signs, some procedures will require the use of basic hospital medical equipment like thermometer and sphygmomanometer thus, it is necessary for a caregiver to be adept in using such instruments.  Furthermore, the ability of a caregiver to speak English clearly and record plan updates are essential.