Opportunities for Caregivers

An article in the October 18, 2014, issue of The Dallas Morning News, on page 1D, “Take Care on Caregivers”, by Pamela Yip discusses how caregivers can be a great help for family members.

I am thinking that there are many opportunities for job seekers who could consider becoming a caregiver.  When family members are busy with jobs and other personal responsibilities, it is frequently difficult for them to take care of a family member who is disabled or recovering from surgery.  Typical care duties include: bathing, dressing, grooming, and other hands-on care activities such as shopping, cleaning, and transportation to doctors appointments.   

Recently I had a total knee replacement and after returning home from several days at a rehabilitation center, I required assistance particularly at night.  My wife needed relief from 24 hour caregiving.  In order for her to get a night’s sleep, we employed a caregiver at night for several days. The caregiver was employed by an agency which provided qualified personnel.   The result is that we are still married.

Types of caregivers include:

1. Medical home health – Typically Medicare nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and home health aides for short periods of time.

2. Private caregiving services – These caregivers provide patient care as well as cooking, cleaning, running errands, and transportation.  Such services typically range to cost of $17 to $24 per hour paid by the patient or patient’s long-term insurance.

3. Personal assistant services – These assistant provided non-skilled activities such as cooking and cleaning.    

There are numerous agencies that provide caregiving services.  I suggest that job seekers interested in this type of work contact them.  In addition, an individual could provide caregiving services directly to clients.

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com your experience with caregiving services.   

 

Thanks!  Glyn