Essential functions consist of:
- Grooming – hair care, shaving, oral care, and skin care.
- Bathing – assist with shower, bath, or sponge bath.
- Dressing – assist with dressing and/or undressing the client.
- Toileting – assist with bathroom, commode, urinal, bedpan, and/or diapers.
- Ambulation – assist with a walker, crutches, cane, or gait belt.
- Transferring – from bed, wheelchair, low chair, use of a lift, or turn a client in bed.
- Medication – remind client to take medications at prescribed times during a visit.
- Cleaning – for client safety and comfort: clean kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, change linens, and light housekeeping (dusting, vacuuming, etc.) in the general areas used by the client.
- Meals – shop for food, cook food following special diets, serve food, and/or feed the client.
- Companionship – provide company and emotional support; stimulate the client through conversation, playing games, cards...etc.
- Incidental Transportation – to and from doctors' appointments, shopping, and errands.
- Communication – coordinate client care with family members and co-workers as needed, report changes in client's condition to the office staff, maintain required records of client care, and maintain strict confidentiality regarding client issues. Caregivers must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
The above activities are normally performed within a client's home. Caregivers must be able to bend down, lift and do other things associated with care giving, cleaning and cooking. Caregivers must be patient in dealing with clients' physical and/or emotional conditions - seeking advice from our supervisory staff as needed. Since most clients cannot be left alone, we require the caregivers to take on-duty meal brakes and to remain in the client's home during the break.
Formal training is not required to work as a non-medical in-home caregiver in the state of Pennsylvania, but it may be helpful to complete 120 hours of specialized training to obtain a Home Health Aid Certificate or become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Otherwise, we provide the following training:
- Orientation to the service
- Working with older persons
- Personal care
- Care of the home and personal belongings
- Safety and accident prevention
- Food nutrition and meal preparation
- Specialized training will be taught by a registered nurse supervisor on staff
Caregivers must
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid driver's license, a reliable vehicle, and a clean driving record
- Pass a pre-employment background screening
- Pass a pre-employment health assessment
- Be a legal resident of the United States or have a valid work visa
- Be able to read, write, speak and communicate effectively in English
- Show a genuine interest and display sympathy in caring for the elderly and the sick
