If you’re looking for a career that involves providing care for clients but don’t have the time or money to train to become a nurse, one option is to become an in-home caregiver. Many seniors prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home rather than moving to a long-term care home, and in-home caregivers allow them—as well as disabled people and people recovering from an illness or injury—to remain safe and healthy in a comfortable, familiar space.
In Canada, there are different types of in-home caregivers, such as Home Support Workers (HSW), Personal Support Workers (PSW), and Continuing Care Assistants (CCA). While some tasks performed by in-home caregivers are similar to those performed by nurses, the scope of duties is different due to the lower training and education requirements. Your responsibilities may involve providing general support, or may focus on helping your client get to around, maintain hygiene, and be comfortable. You may also be asked to do light housekeeping and errands. Depending on your level of training, you may help with other basic tasks such as bathing and getting dressed. In-home caregivers can build long-term relationships with clients over an extended period, getting to know their routines and habits and developing a close bond.
Here are a few tips on starting a career as an in-home caregiver.
How to become an in-home caregiver
A university degree is usually not required to enter the world of home care. Some certificates and skills, however, are likely to give you a head start—from basic first aid training and a current driver’s licence to a Home Support Worker (HSW), Personal Support Worker (PSW), or Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) certification course from a vocational or community college. These certification courses are specifically designed to prepare you to support adults who require care, and may involve job placements to help you acquire work experience. A background check, such as a criminal record check or vulnerable sector check, is also essential for some in-home caregiving jobs.
The skills you’ll develop as an in-home caregiver
When you start out, your employer or your certification program may help you learn the basics in areas such as food hygiene, first aid, health and safety, and safe ways of helping people move around. These skills are all essential to caring for seniors and disabled adults.
Pay and job prospects for in-home caregivers
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, in-home caregivers generally earn between $14 and $25 an hour. Roles may also be available where accommodation is provided, while in-home caregivers working shifts at night or on weekends can sometimes charge higher rates.
There are also plenty of job opportunities in this field. There is frequently a shortage of trained, experienced workers to look after an ageing population that prefers to grow older at home. Being an in-home caregiver may also be a great launchpad for a career as another type of care professional—potentially one with a higher salary bracket. For example, with additional training, you could transition to nursing.
Plus, you get to make a difference in people’s lives every day. Doing good deeds for others is proven to contribute to our own emotional and physical well-being—and as in-home caregiver, you can make a career out of it.
