What is Care giving?
Caregiving refers to the provision of assistance to another person who is ill, disabled, or needs help with daily activities. It often requires attention to the physical, mental, social, and psychological needs and well-being of both the caregiver and the person requiring care. Caregivers, also known as carer’s, home care aides, home health aides or personal care aides, give assistance to people who are sick, injured, mentally or physically disabled, or the elderly and fragile.
What are some of the responsibilities of a caregiver/ carer/ home care aide?
Some of the services offered by Caregivers include nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, hospice care, etc.- which mostly involves personal care, bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation and feeding, maintaining mobility, light housekeeping, companionship, taking and recording vital signs, any other errands, etc. Caregivers work closely with patients, providing important social and emotional support and are a vital source of information on the status of patients to medical staff.
What are some of the responsibilities of a Healthcare Assistant (HCA)?
Like a Caregiver, HCAs are required to have basic life support and first aid skills. Their responsibilities include home based care, inpatient and outpatient support skills, taking and recording vital signs, hospital housekeeping, hospital support services, infection control and prevention skills, etc. HCAs work with patients providing important social and emotional support and are a vital source of information to other medical staff in a hospital setting or outside.
What are the responsibilities of a Child Caregiver?
Child Caregivers are basically Caregivers who work specifically with children. They may work in home based care, or paediatric hospitals, or paediatric departments in hospitals or in day care centres or schools. They may also be self employed. Wherever Child Caregivers work their responsibilities include providing safe, compassionate, healthy and educational environments for children while taking care of their basic needs, including checking on any signs of infections, dressing, feeding, bathing and supervising play and nap times, etc.
Who should consider a career as a Caregiver or a Healthcare Assistant (HCA)?
All Caregivers or Healthcare Assistants must be able to deliver care that is compassionate, respectful and sympathetic to their patient’s vulnerability. A positive attitude is also crucial in an environment that is intended to promote healing. Care giving or any basic healthcare course is also a good starting point for anyone considering a career in the cast field of healthcare.
What are the top five qualities a Caregiver or Healthcare Assistant should have?
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Strong observation and listening skills
- Ability to follow a set of rules and protocol
- Time management and organizational skills
- Empathy and compassion
