- By Daniel Smith
- Published 04/25/2012
Whether you were helping your elderly grandmother to walk her dog or driving an elderly neighbour to the doctor’s clinic, any such endeavour qualifies as a care giving task, even when you are doing it for personal reasons. Do you want to supplement your earnings by working as a caregiver? If yes, the first thing you need to do is opt for the right healthcare courses. If you want to enhance the quality of life that seniors lead, and help them lead independent lives, you may choose a career as a caregiver. Here are a few specific categories of tasks that a professional caregiver may need to handle.
Companionship responsibilities: At times, all that an elderly individual needs is a companion to talk to. However, the lack of time or the increased distance may make it difficult for the family members to provide this for the elderly individual. A caregiver may fill this gap. Whether the senior wants to sit and chat over a cup of coffee or walk the dog in the park, you may be able to accompany them. Qualifications matter when it comes to these jobs; however, a caring and compassionate nature are of primary importance when you are working as a companion of an elderly individual.
Personal care related tasks: With age, an individual may lose their ability to handle the regular tasks associated with personal care. An elderly individual may need help with tasks like brushing, bathing, dressing, eating and others. It may also be necessary to prepare meals suitable for the elderly individual. Ensuring proper and hygienic care of the aged individual requires adequate education and training. Proper handling and moving of clients is something you need to learn. A course would be able to let you understand the way the caregiver needs to handle the personal care tasks of an elderly individual.
Health care related tasks: Handling these tasks may require advanced education and training for a caregiver. The tasks may be simple, like reminding the elderly individual about taking their medications on time, or may be a little more complicated, like administering injections. While an Occupational First Aid course is ideal if you were taking care of an elderly individual with basic health care needs, you may require more specialised courses if you were taking care of an aged individual with a progressive condition like Alzheimer. It is better to identify your goals as a caregiver before you choose a specific course.
Household chores: At times, an elderly individual may have difficulty in maintaining their house. If they live alone, a caregiver may be necessary for handling tasks like dusting, cleaning, gardening, washing, ironing, and such others. You may also have to run errands like paying bills or grocery shopping. This may not require specialised training; however, it is better to undergo a basic training course for proper handling of these tasks. The point to keep in mind is that the comfort and safety of the elderly individual is your topmost concern when you are working as a caregiver.
Author Bio
Daniel Smith has long been associated with an institute providing carer training courses. He provides tips and suggestions for individuals looking for elderly care courses like Introduction to Nursing and Infection Prevention and Control. If you were looking for such care courses or for care jobs, he suggests you to visit http://www.comfortkeeperstraining.ie/.
