Is Caregiving Recognized as a Legitimate Professional Role?
In the United States, the roles of caregivers, both informal and professional, are crucial in providing support to individuals in need, particularly the elderly with health conditions such as dementia or physical disabilities.
An informal caregiver, often a family member or close friend, offers unpaid help to the person in need. This personal relationship can be between a son, daughter, spouse, or friend. According to a 2020 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), there has been a rise in young caregivers (aged 18-45) in the United States, with the number being 7 percent higher compared to a 2015 study. Interestingly, no college degree is required to become an informal caregiver.
On the other hand, professional caregivers are employed to provide care and assistance. They are typically at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most professional caregivers complete state-approved training programs to become certified nurse assistants (CNAs) or home health aides (HHAs), which include classroom instruction on caregiving, hands-on clinical training, and CPR/emergency response training.
For example, in Missouri, CNA training involves 75 hours of classroom instruction plus 100 hours of supervised clinical training, followed by passing a certification exam and registration with the state registry. Besides basic certification, caregivers often obtain additional credentials such as CPR and First Aid certification, Alzheimer’s or dementia care certification, and medication administration certification, depending on their roles and employer requirements. Some states and employers may also require passing criminal background checks and drug screenings.
For higher-level healthcare workers like licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, physical therapists, and others, federal certification or licensing verification is required for employment in the U.S., especially for foreign-trained professionals. Additionally, academic certificate programs are available for health care professionals to specialize in family caregiving or integrate family caregivers into the healthcare team.
It's worth noting that while both informal and formal caregivers need to be calm, caring, and understanding, the level of difficulty in caring for an aging family member and a client with dementia can vary. Informal caregivers can learn about tasks and responsibilities online, while professional caregivers undergo more structured training programs.
In some cases, informal caregivers may hire professional caregivers to take care of their loved ones when they are away. According to the survey, almost half of the caregivers who were surveyed reported doing so.
In conclusion, the qualifications for becoming a professional caregiver vary by state, ensuring caregivers meet professional standards for the safe and effective care of patients in various settings. The roles of informal and professional caregivers are vital in providing support to those in need, and their importance continues to grow as the population ages.
- The aging population in need of care in the United States often requires support from both informal and professional caregivers.
- Informal caregivers, often family members or close friends, provide unpaid assistance to those in need, with many being young adults as seen in a 2020 AARP survey.
- On the other hand, professional caregivers are certified and often complete state-approved training programs, such as those for certified nurse assistants (CNAs) or home health aides (HHAs).
- Additionally, higher-level healthcare workers may require federal certification or licensing verification, while academic certificate programs are available for specializing in family caregiving or integrating family caregivers into the healthcare team.
- Mental health and mental-health training are essential for caregivers, as they often deal with challenging care situations, including those involving dementia or aging family members.
- Education and self-development opportunities, like skills training, are crucial for both caregivers and those they care for, promoting personal growth and career development.
- Family health is a significant focus area for caregivers, working towards maintaining the well-being of their loved ones and the individuals under their care, including aspects like parenting and aging.
- Workplace wellness and health-and-wellness initiatives are essential for caregivers to maintain their own mental and physical health while providing care, creating a supportive environment that encourages learning and growth.
