Being a caregiver is a rewarding but tiring and difficult career path. You may have had to become a caregiver suddenly and quickly, with a family member becoming ill out of the blue. Or, you may have always wanted to look after the elderly to ensure they have a lovely quality of life.
You can professionally train to become a caregiver; however, some of us will gradually become one if we have family members who have to rely on us. What’s important, though, is knowing how to become a caregiver while also having a well-balanced life outside of the workplace or caregiving duties.
Want to become a caregiver? Here’s how.
Know the many ways you can be a paid caregiver
You can work in many different sectors and environments, so knowing which suits you best before you start your training can help. You can be hired privately by the person in need directly; this usually means you will care for them in their place of residence. You could also be hired by the state to provide care services, or you can work with a home care agency or assisted living facility and be paid by the agency.
Get the right training
Being trained so that you can look after, care for and understand a person’s needs is essential. Not only does training provide you with the medical insight so that you can help patients out in specific situations, but it teaches you how to deal with certain difficult instances like a patient who has dementia.
Working as an elderly caregiver in an RCFE (Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly) requires you to have certain requirements. If this is the place you wish to work in, you need to ensure you meet them. Be sure to look up any state-specific requirements you need to meet before enrolling on a course.
You can get paid for caring for a family member
You may be able to claim for financial assistance if you are a family caregiver, so don’t forget to check whether you fit the criteria. This is the case as to whether you are a professional caregiver who has a family member in need, or whether the responsibility of caring for them has become yours.
Here’s what you can do:
- See whether your family will pay for your caregiving time
- Determine whether you are eligible for Medicaid’s Cash and Counseling Program
- Find out whether your family member can get Veterans Aid
- Determine whether your family member has long-term care insurance for caregiver compensation
- Will your company offer paid leave for caregivers?
Don’t forget about your needs
Caregiving is no easy career, and if we have become one for a family member, there could be some resentment. It is imperative that you do not have any bad thoughts when it comes to caring for someone, and if you ever feel as if the role is becoming too much, you ask for help.
Never forget about your own needs. You need to have your own social life and look after yourself; that means taking breaks, eating well, working out, and having time to rest and relax. You cannot abandon your own wants and needs. Otherwise, it can damage your own health – both physically and mentally.
Seek guidance, look for support, and if you need to, ask for help.
