Are you presently stuck in a dead-end job that leaves you feeling unfulfilled at the end of the day? Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others while working in the healthcare industry? If so, professional caregiving may be your calling. For starters, caregiver jobs in a community like Naples are plentiful.
A career in caregiving will also allow you to unleash your full potential while serving fellow human beings. If becoming a professional caregiver interests you, read on to learn more about the job and why it could be the most rewarding career you’ll ever have.
A professional caregiver, or direct caregiver, is someone who gets paid to provide care and support to the elderly or those with disabilities or special needs. Those responsibilities may include companionship, daily care, homemaking, meals, personal care, emotional support, and medical assistance. These diverse caregiver demands require different levels of education and training depending on which role you choose.
Caregivers often work in these care settings:
Using home care as an example, if you were to poll the average caregiver in Naples they would probably mention these reasons why they enjoy coming to work each day:
For starters, you’ll feel instant gratification knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of
others. As a caregiver, you’ll develop personal relationships with clients – and their families – and experience a sense of accomplishment that can only come with knowing that you are enhancing another human being’s quality of life.
As a home caregiver, you’ll be able to pick and choose your work hours. This makes for a great career for any person at any stage of life, especially parents with young children or part-time students. Whether you’re in the middle of pursuing a degree or raising a family, a career as an in-home caregiver offers many rewards and opportunities, including a healthy work/life balance.
When an older adult doesn’t have dependable family caregivers to look after them moving into a residential care facility is a distinct possibility. Your efforts will allow them to live comfortably and independently in their home. Generally speaking, seniors who remain independent tend to be happier, healthier and even live longer than those who aren’t.
Being a caregiver also allows you to specialize your skills. Through home care, you can either focus on adult care or pediatrics while building a career working within a specialty you enjoy. Whether you love assisting new parents bringing their infant home for the first time or an older client with complex medical needs, becoming a home caregiver puts you on the right career path to success.
Personal development is also essential when working at any job. A career in the healthcare field will allow you to grow on both a personal and professional level. Through a supportive and nurturing environment, there are many different options each home caregiver will experience, which then allows them to choose a specific path for career advancement.
According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations – including home care – is expected to grow 15 percent over the next decade. Even during an economic recession, the demand for qualified in-home caregivers will only continue to rise. That means you will be able to take advantage of a robust market for home health jobs for many years to come.
Becoming a professional caregiver requires specific skills, passion, and a commitment to serving clients cheerfully even when you are having a bad day.
In general, the characteristics of a good caregiver include:
In addition to these qualities, caregivers must also be physically fit and in good health because of all the client lifting and transporting they may be asked to do.
Again, using home care as an example, “cream of the crop” caregivers also possess these job skills:
Once you’ve decided to become a professional caregiver, look for these employer qualities when narrowing down your job search:
If you are currently pursuing a degree or have a family, job flexibility is an important consideration. Look for an employer that allows you to set your hours and schedule. Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, therapist, or something else, you’ll enjoy a healthier work-life balance by working for a company that offers its employees flexible scheduling options.
Like everyone else, you have bills to pay. Does the home care company offer consistent hours on a regular basis? Given that assignments may vary, be sure the agency has plenty of opportunities to work and that maintaining a set number of hours every week won’t be an issue.
Another way to gauge whether your decision is sound is by learning what others say about the agency in their own words. Discover all you can about the agency’s reputation by speaking to current and past employees, reading online client reviews, and checking out any awards or certifications they have received within the past few years.
If you place a high value on workplace diversity and inclusion, you’ll want to choose a home care company with a culture that aligns with your own beliefs. Working with like-minded people in a family environment that encourages the open sharing of ideas will keep you motivated even on days when nothing else seems to be going right.
Does the agency provide employees with personal development and growth opportunities, including education and certification courses? Look for an employer with staff training programs that will enable you to expand your skills and advance in your career. For instance, they might offer staff education programs on how to prepare meals for clients with dietary restrictions or effectively communicate with those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
As a trained healthcare professional, you’ll want to be well-compensated for your efforts. Look for an employer that offers you the ability to make a good income upfront, along with the potential to increase your earning power through education, training, additional work responsibilities, and performance bonuses.
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others while serving as a professional home caregiver? If so, Home Instead of Southwest Florida invites you to join our winning team in Naples. Due to our expanding client load, we seek qualified individuals to fill several exciting caregiving positions. While proudly serving communities in Naples, Fort Myers, and Charlotte County, we support clients and their families with servicesthat include personal care, respite care, private duty care, 24-hour care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
As a highly valued member of the Home Instead of Southwest Florida team, you’ll enjoy a fast-paced, positive work environment where your input is valued and hard work is rewarded. We also offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, ongoing staff training, and career advancement opportunities galore. No matter your experience level or education, we’d love to hear from you! To learn more about our agency and our open positions, please visit us today at www.homeinsteadswfl.com.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
As seniors age, physical activities can have not only positive physical effects, but positive cognitive effects as well.Contact an Office in Your AreaIn one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.Its been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active. Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can. For those that are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. Some of the health benefits include:Improved mental health, mood and outlookPrevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosisReduced pain from arthritis and minimizing its severityDecreased risk of fallsEach individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching and balance all without leaving the comfort of home! Aerobic exercise Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight. Strength building exercises there are many easy strength-building exercises that can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required. Stretching Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adults physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.Balance exercises Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.Those that need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle! Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need a little extra help living an active lifestyle, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with physician-prescribed exercise plans. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults Need More Physical Activity. Web. 2019.Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity. Web. 2017.National Council on Aging. Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness. Web.Readers Digest Canada, 5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Heart Health. Web. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise after age 70. Web. 2007.
More Americans are choosing to age in place. That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings.But that often means they must modify their home, so it's not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the National Association of Home Builders. Certified individuals assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and over fall each year. The CDC adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps. The organization offers a checklist to make sure an older adult's home is as safe as possible.Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seatRemove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slippingMove furniture to create clear walking pathsKeep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent trippingReplace doorknobs with lever door handlesApply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor stepsReplace standard light switches with rocker-style switchesIncrease the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertopsMove often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stoolsRepair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairwaysInstall an elevator or chair liftInstall an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy accessReplace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burnsReplace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standingShedding Light on Home ModificationWhen modifying a home for a senior, don't forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.