How to Become a Professional Independent Caregiver

Becoming a caregiver or PAL (Personal Assistant for Living) or professional caregiver is a wonderful career path to choose. Not only will you be in great demand, you will also reap the rich rewards that come from truly helping others in a very personal and up front way. If you use the tools we present and develop a strong base you will find yourself looking forward to work each day as new and very real experiences await you.

Home-based health care is growing at an extremely fast rate, Employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 22 percent from 2022 to 2032, with home health jobs expected to increase by more than 46 percent. That’s much faster than the average for all occupations. Often it is children or other relatives who become caregivers for their aging seniors. However, this option is not available for thousands of people who need assistance and prefer at-home care. To become a successful Independent Personal Caregiver, you need be mentally prepared, have the time available, patient and the proper training to performing intimate tasks for people in need. Caregiving can be a rewarding and profitable career. But is it the career for you ?

If you would like to embark an a professional career as an independent caregiver, we have put together some steps that you can follow to help you realize that goal. We hope you find these steps useful.

Steps You Can Take to Become a Professional Caregiver

1. Talk to a Caregiving Professional.

Whatever your reasons for wanting a career in caregiving, it’s likely you know and have talked to someone who is a Professional Caregiver. If not, then you should make sure to talk to someone who is. Knowing or talking to someone who is a Professional Caregiver will help you understand what is required, what difficulties and rewards there are with the career. Once you understand what is involved you will be closer to knowing if the career is right for you.

2. Research and Learn Your State’s Professional Caregiver Requirements.

Each state has different licensing requirements for professional home caregivers. Some states have no licensing requirements at all. If the state you wish to become employed in does have licensing or certification requirements then knowing what these are will help you determine what you must prepare for and obtain.

Note: If you will be working for a person or a facility which participates in the Medicaid HCBS (home and community based services) program, then you will likely need Training, Background Check, and Certification to receive payment. Again, check your states requirements.

3. Become a Volunteer at Your Local Hospital or Senior Center.

There are several reasons to volunteer as a Caregiver or Assistant at a local senior home or hospital. You want to know if the career is right for you and volunteering will help allow you to experience much of what is involved. Volunteering as an assistant caregiver for seniors will also help you build your resume for future employment opportunities.

4. Learn Skills Such As First Aid, CPR, Basic Life Support

Learning and getting certified in skills such as CPR and Basic Life Support may seem difficult, and is it really necessary to become a Professional Independent Caregiver? Well keep this in mind; Certifications in life saving skills will surly make you more qualified in the view of potential employers i.e. families, and can give you the peace of mind knowing you are equipped to handle situations that in reality could come up.

Certifications on your resume can make you stand out from others as a real Professional who takes the important job of caregiving seriously.

Training and testing for these certifications can in class in person, or online. Make sure the training you receive is from an accredited facility or entity. Courses and test will cost you some money, but can enhance your earning potential.

The American Red Cross Training Services website is a great place to look for First Aid, CPR & BLS (Basic Life Support) classes if you are looking for in-person, hands on training. Online classes are offered there as well.

5. Join An Association of Professional Caregivers.

There are many befits to becoming a member of a Professional Caregivers association. These can include:

• Certified Caregiver Training that is affordable and meets the requirements for your state.
• Regular updates on care innovations and new legislative initiatives that benefit you and those you care for.
• Enrollment in a National Caregiver Registry

While we do not endorse any particular Caregiver Association, here are two you may want to consider. Each one has programs which require monthly or yearly dues.

American Caregiver Association

Professional Association of Caregivers

6. Create a Professional Caregiver Resumé

Your resume communicates your qualifications and who you are. A beginning resume should be brief and concise. Writing a basic resume with no work experience but with the volunteering and certifications mentioned here should be one you can feel good about when you introduce yourself to a potential employer.

Here are some reasons why you should prepare and maintain a resume:

• A resume prepares you for the interview. Most employers will use your resume as a guideline when they interview you. They may ask you to explain in detail some of the statements you have made in your resume.
• A resume gives you a sense of security. It's a good idea to always have an updated resume accessible because you never know when you may need it. Also, in case you unexpectedly lose your job, you'll have your resume ready.
• A resume promotes you and all of your strengths, skills, abilities, and talents.
• A resume demonstrates why you are a good fit for an open role‍ as a Senior Caregiver.

There are many websites that you can use to help you write your caregiver resume. They have templates and suggestions as to what you may want to include. And good news, many of them are Free! Just search with you browser “free resume builder”.

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