Non-medical Care Provider
Job in about 50 words:
If you love to help people and think that being a surrogate family member to an older adult would be awesome, consider being a non-medical care provider. You’ll assist clients with daily tasks like housekeeping and cooking and offer your companionship.
Job skills/requirements:
Most likely you’ll be doing things you’d do in your own house, so no special skills are needed. However, there are a few things that are required for this position.
- Be at least 17: This is a job for very responsible people, so most postings will ask you to be 17 years old or older.
- Interpersonal skills: Being an extrovert who likes doing things around the house will come in handy. You will be providing companionship, preparing meals, doing some light housekeeping and running a few errands for the person you are caring for. Many clients just want a friend, so be prepared to open up and talk!
- Dependable: You must be able to stick to the work schedule you are given; you don’t have any co-workers and you are the sole companion of someone who really needs you. Make sure you have your transportation all figured out before you even apply to a position like this.
- Compassionate: Pretend the person you’re caring for is one of your grandparents. How would you want someone in your position to treat them? Respect and compassion are crucial in this role.
Expected hours: You may end up working mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekdays or weekends. It all depends on your client’s needs and it’ll definitely help if you’re flexible.
Dress the part: You’ll be working in and around someone’s home, so the dress will be casual. Notice we said casual – not sloppy. Unless your client asks you to paint the house, you still need to be presentable.
Job myth:
All my clients will be elderly.
Not true. Your clients can be special-needs children, people with disabilities, expectant moms, and people recovering from surgery – anyone who might need a little help.
Career path:
- Certified nursing assistant ($25,000/year)
- Nursing supervisor at a nursing home ($55,000/year)
- Nurse practitioner ($80,000/year)