Job Status of Caregiving: Affirmed
In the United States, the role of a caregiver is increasingly important, especially as the population ages. Caregivers provide essential support to individuals in need, whether they are family members or professional care providers.
For those aiming to become professional caregivers, the path is well-defined, albeit with some variations by state and employer. To qualify, one must first meet the minimum age and legal work eligibility requirements, typically being at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the U.S. 1
Education is another essential requirement, with most employers and states requiring a high school diploma or its equivalent, the General Educational Development (GED) certificate. 1
Formal training and certification are crucial components of becoming a professional caregiver. This often involves around 120 hours of classroom training and 40 to 60 hours of clinical practice, as is the case for home health aide certification. 1
A background check and possibly a general health check are also required by most employers. 1 A certification exam, which typically includes written and practical components, is also part of the process, testing knowledge and skills relevant to caregiving. 2
For foreign caregivers, the process is more complex, involving visa sponsorship, labor certification (PERM), and USCIS approvals, including demonstrating qualifications comparable to U.S. standards and English proficiency. 35
In summary, becoming a professional caregiver requires meeting age and legal work eligibility, completing educational requirements (usually a high school diploma), undergoing formal training and certification (including exams), passing background checks, and, for foreign workers, meeting immigration and credentialing requirements set by USCIS. 1235 Employer-specific requirements may add further criteria such as particular skills or experience.
On the other hand, informal caregivers, who have a personal relationship with the person in need, often being a son, daughter, spouse, or friend, can find resources online to learn about the tasks and responsibilities involved in caring for an elderly family member.
A 2020 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) revealed a rise in young (18-45 years) caregivers in the United States. 4 Caregiving, whether informal or professional, can be considered a job. While informal caregivers offer unpaid help to the person in need, it is not uncommon for family members to have certain financial arrangements in return for care. 4
In 2020, the number of young caregivers is 7 percent higher compared to a 2015 study. 4 Both informal and formal caregivers need certain traits, including being calm, caring, and understanding. Completing courses such as Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Home Health Aide (HHA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), National Caregiver Certification Course (NCCC), National Assisted Living Manager Certification (NALMCC), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can help in becoming a professional caregiver. 4
Approximately half of the participants in the survey were the sole caregivers to their loved one, while a small percentage shared the responsibility of caregiving with other family members. 4 The person in need is often an elder with a health condition such as dementia or physical disability. 4
- For those aiming to become professional caregivers, completing courses such as Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Home Health Aide (HHA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), National Caregiver Certification Course (NCCC), National Assisted Living Manager Certification (NALMCC), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can help in meeting the formal education and training requirements.
- Caregiving, whether informal or professional, requires certain traits, including being calm, caring, and understanding, as these qualities are crucial in providing effective support to individuals in need, particularly those with conditions such as dementia or physical disability.
- In the United States, the number of young caregivers (18-45 years) has risen in recent years, with a 2020 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) revealing a 7 percent increase compared to a 2015 study.
- Completing courses can help informal caregivers (family members or friends) learn about the tasks and responsibilities involved in caring for an elderly loved one, ensuring they are equipped to provide the necessary care as they navigate their caregiving journey.
