Personal care assistants work in private homes, healthcare companies, as trainers, and for government agencies. They assist clients with daily tasks and recovery from surgery. Training programs are required, and referrals can be made through various organizations.
There are four different personal care assistant roles: working in a private home, working for a health services company, teaching, and working for a government agency. A personal care assistant works with clients who are recovering from surgery or who need assistance with daily personal tasks. The role of a personal care assistant is central to the ability of older people to maintain their independence and the shorter recovery time for people who are discharged from the hospital but are still recovering.
To become a personal care assistant, you will need to complete a post-secondary training program from a community or career college. This program usually lasts nine to 12 months. Courses focus on daily personal hygiene, how to move an injury-free patient, and working with mentally impaired clients. Most programs require applicants to have at least five years of experience working full-time before considering them for admission.
Many personal care assistants work directly with clients in their own homes. Referrals can be made through volunteer agencies, support groups, health service companies or social workers. A schedule of visits is agreed upon, along with the list of personal care assistant jobs that will be performed at each visit. This service is covered by most health plans, as it is considerably less expensive than a stay in a hospital or long-term care facility.
There are a wide range of personal care assistant jobs available at a healthcare services company. These private organizations offer a wide range of therapies and support services to clients. The patient or family can arrange for this service to provide a personal care assistant two days a week, a physical therapist once a week, and a massage therapist every two weeks. The personal care assistant works with the other members of the health care team to ensure that the client is progressing and receiving the level of care needed.
Personal care aides can become trainers at local community centers, teaching family members courses on how to help someone recovering from surgery or an elderly family member who has become frail. To become an instructor, many professionals complete an adult education certificate program. Learning the most effective way to teach adults can be a huge help when making this career transition.
Many government agencies related to social services have personal care assistant jobs. They are typically responsible for working with the social worker and other members of the health services team to address the client’s needs. Many governments have adopted a “preemptive” approach to social services, where they are willing to invest additional resources in hopes of reducing overall long-term support costs.
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