8 Things to Consider Before Shifting to a Caregiving Career

In-home caregivers are highly in-demand in the job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are currently around 3.6 million caregiver jobs across the country. They predict that number will grow by an impressive 25% in the next ten years, meaning hundreds of thousands of positions will be available. So, transitioning into a caregiving career may be a smart move if you've been looking for a new career opportunity.

While it's a gratifying career path, it's also demanding. You'll want to carefully research the qualifications and requirements for becoming a caregiver in your area. You'll also want to explore whether you have the personal skills to make caregiving work more manageable and enjoyable before you start looking for job openings.

Common Requirements and Qualifications for Becoming a Caregiver

Each agency and state will have its own requirements for becoming a caregiver. Take time to research local government regulations and what agencies in your area require to qualify for a caregiving career position. However, in general, you'll want to consider whether you:

• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation?
• Can you pass a background check?

In addition, some states and agencies may require you to take and pass a course on caregiving careers. These courses may be free, or there may be scholarships to help you cover the program's costs. 

Other Skills That Can Be Helpful for Caregivers to Have

Caregiving is about meeting the physical and emotional needs of the seniors in your care. Before applying for a job, consider if you:

• Are a clear communicator. Caregivers need to communicate with their clients about their needs and how they can help meet them. If you can easily get your point across to others, this can make caregiving much easier for you and the client. 
• Are empathetic. Sometimes clients aren't able to voice their needs or advocate for themselves. A good caregiver can empathize with clients and anticipate their needs, even if they cannot ask for themselves. 
• It can be flexible. Caregivers often need to stick to a schedule, but a client's needs can quickly change. Because of that, you may need to change your routine or adapt to a new situation fast. 
• Have a good sense of humor. Caregiving is serious work. But it's not without its humorous moments. Being able to laugh with a client can help put them at ease and make a stressful situation more manageable. 
• Enjoy connecting with people. Caregivers who enjoy their job the most are the ones who connect with clients on a personal level and genuinely care about providing them with the best care. It makes the job more rewarding.

It can also be helpful if you've cared for others in the past, such as a nanny, babysitting, or caring for an elderly relative. While not a requirement, this hands-on experience can help you anticipate and meet the client needs more efficiently. Experience in caregiving may also put you in an excellent position to move into nursing, social work, or other healthcare positions. 

Are You Thinking About Switching to Caregiving Career?

Senior Helpers serving the south metro areas of the Twin Cities is looking for compassionate, skilled people who want to help support the physical and emotional needs in Burnsville, Saint Paul, Cottage Grove, Hastings, and beyond. Contact us to discuss caregiving opportunities in the area.