Caregivers provide a range of services for disabled and elderly people in home settings. They often cook, clean, run errands, and provide companionship for their clients. In most cases, caregiver training is provided in the first few weeks of employment with an agency, and consists of both classroom and on-the-job exercises to familiarize a new worker with the fundamentals of the job. Some employers and locations, however, require prospective caregivers to receive formal training and earn certification through accredited vocational schools or community colleges. Information about caregiver training options can usually be found by visiting local home health agencies' websites or speaking with human resources personnel, who are usually very knowledgeable about requirements for new caregivers.
A person who wants to become a caregiver should first determine if formal caregiver training is required to obtain jobs in his or her area. Even when it is not mandatory, many individuals pursue such training to better prepare themselves for future jobs and improve their personal credentials. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer caregiver training in physical classrooms or online settings. Caregiver classes usually consist of both lectures and practical demonstrations of real-life scenarios. Upon completion of formal training programs, individuals are typically awarded degrees or certificates.
Many employers provide individuals with on-the-job training after being hired, regardless of their previous experience levels or prior training credentials. New employees of a home health care agency are often required to attend courses to learn about basic job tasks, company rules and regulations, and emergency procedures. Some agencies offer specialized drug administration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training as well, often awarding certificates or licenses upon completion. Classroom caregiver training may take anywhere from one to four weeks to complete, depending on a certain agency's regulations and the complexity of tasks expected to be performed by new workers.
New caregivers often receive on-the-job training from experienced professionals, learning firsthand the specific duties and requirements of the job. They might be instructed on the proper way to help someone get into and out of a wheelchair, bathe, and use the restroom. Home health and elder care agencies usually create specialized training courses to provide detailed information about different types of common conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. It is often important for new caregivers to work under supervision for a set number of hours to ensure they are capable of handling all of the tasks necessary to keep their clients safe and comfortable at all times.