A Guide to Becoming a Home Health Aide in Greater Auburn, NH
Becoming a home health aide is a wonderful and selfless decision. When you decide to become a caregiver, it is important to remember that there are a few different types of caregiving. Make sure you conduct plenty of research on the distinct kind of caregiving to figure out which would best match your personality and skills.
Visiting Angels Provides a Short Guide on How to Become a Home Health Aide in Auburn and Surrounding Areas
So, what is a home health aide? A home health aide is someone who provides care to seniors in the comfort of their own homes. They usually help seniors with daily tasks and sometimes provide even medical care. There are three different types of caregivers, each with its own set of unique requirements.
Volunteer Caregiver
A volunteer is a caregiver who works without pay to help someone they care about or for a non-profit organization. Many hospices rely on volunteer caregivers. This type of caregiver is usually given special training when working for a non-profit organization or hospice. When it comes to caregiving for someone you know, you may be asked to volunteer for a few hours a day. Be sure to set up boundaries if you are giving care to a loved one. It is important for the people you are caring for to know exactly what you are willing to do. Drawing up a contract is never a bad idea.
Professional Caregivers
Professional caregivers are the companions we hire at Visiting Angels of Auburn to look after our clients. Our caregivers generally provide care to seniors and respite care to families. The duties of a professional caregiver usually include personal assistance, such as:
- Bathing & Dressing
- Meal Planning & Preparation
- Mobility Assistance
- Medication Reminders
- Transportation Assistance
- Running Errands
The goal of a professional caregiver is to help seniors live safely in their homes, help them with their daily tasks, and provide companionship. Companion caregivers do not need a medical background but is often preferred.
The training for caregivers depends on the state. Some states require certifications and others don’t. To become a provider, expect background checks. Most states, like New Hampshire, require these.
Skilled Caregivers & CNAs
Becoming a skilled home health aide is a bit more difficult. Certified nursing assistants necessitate training. Training requirements vary in different states; however, the federal minimum is 75 hours. Certified nursing assistants generally make more than companion caregivers and duties include:
- Taking Blood Pressure
- Administering Bed Baths
- Putting on Compression Stockings
Being a CNA requires a high school diploma or a GED.
Apply to Visiting Angels of Auburn for Immediate Consideration
Visiting Angels of Auburn is always seeking out bright and passionate individuals to join our caregiving team. If you have the experience, knowledge, and dedication for caring after elderly community members, we highly encourage you to apply today! For immediate consideration, please click here and fill out our application. We look forward to speaking with you!