Top 5 In Home Caregiver Questions
As an in home caregiver, I am asked questions about my job by many people. Some are interested in the job and some are just curious about the options. In this article, I will discuss the top five questions I am asked most frequently by those interested in the job.
Paid How much Rewarding Handle Obligations Questions
Can I get paid to care for a friend or family member?
The number one question I am asked most frequently by people who are seriously considering this type of work is: Can I get paid to care for a friend or family member? The answer is yes, but under certain circumstances. Most payment types, such as medicaid, private insurance, and medicare will only pay a company. Some companies however, will let you get around that issue by hiring you to work solely for that family member or friend.
If this is something that you are interested in, be straightforward about it when contacting prospecting companies for care. Ask them if this is something that they allow in their company. Keep in mind when doing so that even though a company may have the same name in multiple offices, different offices may be ran by different people and allow different things.
For example: If you contact one named Grandma's Care (fake name) and ask them they may say no, but another office with the same name in a different area may say yes. Don't automatically assume that because two different offices have the same name that they have all of the same rules. Remember, it never hurts to ask if you have a question about your work or care options.
How much does a caregiving job pay?
This is a big question but surprisingly, it's the least asked by most people: How much does a caregiving job pay? The answer to this question varies because many companies pay different rates. There is an average for individual areas and states. Rates for most companies differ based on professional experience or certifications, although some companies have a set rate.
Average rates in total for the United States (US) is $12.08. Although that is a national average for the entire US, it can give you an idea of what you would be looking at. Look up the average pay rates for a caregiver in your area by state using Google. Also, like any other question or hesitation, just ask the company you may be interested in about their pay options. Some companies may offer raises based on certifications received or longevity of your employment.
What is the most rewarding part of being a caregiver?
The next question I am asked quite often is: What is the most rewarding part of being a caregiver? Honestly, the most rewarding part is knowing you are making a difference. Most clients that you would care for have opted for the in home care because they wish to stay living in their own home but can't do so on their own. That is a big deal to most people.
Try putting yourself in their shoes. When you get older and can no longer care for yourself in total anymore, would you rather find a way to stay living in your own home or be packed up and moved somewhere you are unfamiliar with? These people just wish to be able to stay at home.
That's the difference you are making as an in home caregiver. You are allowing these individuals to hold to their independence as long as possible. You give them the ability to stay in their familiar environments a little longer or even for the rest of their lives. This is not just a job but also a chance to extend a hand and help others in so many different ways.
What if it is too much for me to handle?
What if it's too much for me to handle? This is a question I am asked most frequently by people who have already applied but are still unsure. This type of work is not to be taken lightly. It can include early mornings and late evenings. It's not like stocking shelves or filing paperwork. You are caring for living, breathing human beings. As humans, we are all so very different and that can make the job very difficult at times.
Be sure to examine all parts of the job before accepting it. Do as much research as you can. Contact different companies and ask them what your responsibilities will be as a caregiver for their company. Be sure to weigh all of your options.
If you are a parent, then you know how difficult caring for another person truly can be. It's not always easy but at the end of the day, knowing that because of you, these individuals could remain at home as long as possible is truly an amazing feeling.
If at any time it still seems to be too much for you to handle, don't hesitate to contact the office you work for and tell them. Your boss should understand that this type of work is not for everyone. Don't ever hesitate to speak to those you work for when it comes to any hesitation you may have when it comes to this type of work. It helps to ensure you are not overwhelmed and your clients receive the best care possible.
What would my obligations be as a caregiver?
This is a question I am asked by both, people looking into work and those who are curious: What would my obligations be as a caregiver? I would tell you a list of things, but it's really not that simple. Many different companies offer so many different types of care. Your best option to get the answer to this question is to ask your office what their policy and regulations are.
Each company is so different. I have actually never seen two that are exactly the same. Every company has different rules and regulations that they go by when it comes to the responsibilities of their caregivers. If you are interested in a caregiver job and have a company in mind, call them and ask. It is never a good idea to go into the job unsure of your duties.
The only aspect of responsibility that is the same in ever caregiver job is safety. As a caregiver, your number one responsibility will always be the safety of the client and yourself. Yes, and yourself. While client safety is stressed as number one in every job you will find, your safety is just as important.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a legal standard that can explain the legal regulation for all caregiving jobs when it comes to the client and caregivers safety at work. They will help further explain why safety is always number one.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
As a whole, the most important thing in this article is to remember that there are no stupid questions when asking about options for employment or for care in this aspect. Never hesitate to ask a question about caregiving or receiving care. The number one goal for a caregiving company is to care for their clients AND their caregivers in the best ways possible. Any questions or concerns can easily be answered and resolved by just asking.
If you are truly interested in this type of work but are still unsure, my recommendation would be to make a list of all the questions you have about this job and ask all of them. When it comes to this type of work its always better to get your answers before working rather than while you are working. Never go into the job unsure about your responsibilities as a caregiver or your options as one. Its always better to walk into a job with confidence.
Thank you Gerry Allen for contributing this article.
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