Caregiver

Homecare Aides provide service to individuals in their own homes and communities who need assistance caring for themselves as a result of old age, sickness, disability, and/or other inflictions. Personal Care may include assistance with the activities of daily living, housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, respite, and advice on such things as nutrition, cleanliness, and household activities.

Homecare Aides are responsible for ensuring that service is delivered in a caring and respectful manner, in accordance with relevant Agency policies and industry standards.

Caregiver Responsibilities

• Assist with the activities of daily living and personal care, including:

• Bathing
• Shaving
• Ambulation
• Mouth Care
• Dressing
• Exercise
• Hair Care
• Feeding
• Toileting
• Nail Care
• Positioning
• Medication Reminding
• Skin Care
• Transferring
• Vital Signs and Blood Pressure

Ensure the client's safety and security by supervising the home environment. Teach/perform meal planning and preparation, as well as routine housekeeping activities such as making/changing beds, dusting, vacuuming, washing floors, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, and laundry. Provide companionship, including social interactions, conversations, emotional reassurance, and encouragement of activities that stimulate the mind. Provides respite care for families in accordance with care plans.

Perform/assist with essential shopping/errands, which may include handling the client's money in accordance with the care plan and under the observation of the Supervisor. Assist clients with following a written, special diet plan and reinforcement of diet maintenance, which is provided under the direction of a Physician and as identified on the care plan. Escort clients to medical facilities, errands, shopping, and outings as specified in the care plan.

Assist in basic client transfers, provided the client has been assessed as capable of ambulating without assistance and/or another trained caregiver (including family) is involved in the transfer. Assist clients with communication by writing or typing correspondence for them or researching information for them. Provide companionship, friendship, and emotional support. Talk, listen, share experiences, play games/cards, read to clients, etc. Help keep clients in contact with family, friends, and the outside world. Provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and errands. Accompany clients to recreational and/or social events. Assist with plans for visits and outings.

Participate in the Care Team by providing input and making suggestions. Ensure service is delivered in accordance with all relevant policies, procedures, and practices. Monitor supplies and resources. Evaluate the program and make recommendations to it, as indicated. Follow the written care plan. Carry out duties as assigned by the Supervisor. Observe clients and their environments and report unsafe conditions to the Supervisor. Observe clients and their environments and report behavior, physical and/or cognitive changes, and/or changes in living arrangements to the Supervisor. Complete and maintain records of daily activities, observations, and direct hours of service. Attend orientation, in-service training sessions, and staff meetings. Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others. Make decisions and solve problems. Communicate with Supervisor and co-workers. Observe, receive, and obtain information from relevant sources. Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of personal care and home management skills
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal care services, including health determinants, meeting quality standards, and evaluation of client satisfaction
• Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, including emergency first aid and CPR
• Knowledge of the English language
• Knowledge of clerical procedures such as maintaining records and completing forms
• Ability to competently assist clients with their activities of daily living
• Ability to be aware of other people's reactions and understand why they react as they do
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships
• Ability to teach others
• Ability to listen actively
• Ability to identify problems and determine effective solutions
• Ability to apply reason and logic to identify strengths and weaknesses of possible solutions
• Ability to monitor and assess themselves, clients, and effectiveness of service

Caregiver Qualifications/Education

• Certification in Personal Care
• Current Driver’s License
• Proper Vehicle Insurance Coverage

Caregiver Training/Experience

• May require related experience
• On-the-job training for new activities
• May require similar social and cultural backgrounds with some clients