A job currently in demand: caregivers for the elderly

While many people are being laid off, or having their hours cut back, the medical services field is booming. One area in particular, where jobs go begging, is that of caregivers for the elderly. Many elderly people have no family close by. Although they are elderly, many do not have serious health problems requiring round the clock care as might be given in a nursing home. In many cases, they are anxious to be in their own homes, where they feel most comfortable, but are too frail to perform everyday tasks, such as cleaning and cooking for themselves. Caregivers for the elderly are usually paid by the state to look after these elderly folks.

Caregivers for the elderly are not necessarily licensed nurses or L.V.N.s. Usually all that's required to qualify is a willingness and aptitude in being able to dispense good care in good cheer. The state will run a background check on candidates to be sure the applicant doesn't have a criminal or drug background. They also conduct an interview to screen applicants with the personality characteristics suited to dealing with some of the foibles an elderly person might present to the caregiver.

Elderly people are often quite set in their ways, requiring that things remain in a certain order and that tasks be performed in a particular way. For example, some older people may not be able to tolerate their water glass being uncovered, due to a fear of germs. They may want their coffee or tea served in only a certain cup. Bed pillows must be turned and fluffed every so often, perhaps just out of habit, or due to discomfort caused by an arthritic condition. Successful caregivers for the elderly must be able to cheerfully deal with such peculiarities with a compassionate attitude that helps the elderly person live their lives in the best degree of happiness they can muster.

Many elderly people have few friends. Absent family members in the area, visitors may be few and far between, so loneliness can also be a problem. They may enjoy being read to, as failing eyes can deny them this pleasure. Ideal caregivers for the elderly often enjoy the company of older folks.

Most caregivers work on 12 hour shifts, although some are live-in employees. So what types of tasks might be required of a caregiver? Typically, cooking meals, shopping and light cleaning are everyday tasks. You might need to do laundry, change sheets and help the elderly person to bathe and get back into bed. The work itself is not difficult, but you should be prepared to show patience and compassion. A good sense of humor is a must. Humor and cheeriness have a way of becoming contagious!

If you think you have what it takes to give this type of care to an elderly person, you should contact your Department of Human Resources to see what openings are available. This is a rewarding job for the right personality.