Working as a caregiver is a rewarding career path that allows you to positively impact the lives of so many. It is a job that gives fulfillment to people who have a passion for taking care of others. However, before you can become a caregiver in Canada, there are certain requirements to be met and necessary credentials to obtain.
To begin with, you must first complete a recognized caregiver training program. Meanwhile, these programs are offered by several institutions across the country and cover topics like communication, personal care, and safety. After going through the training, you’ll need to pass a certification exam to show your knowledge and skills and become a caregiver in Canada.
Caregivers are highly in demand in Canada to offer support and assistance to individuals who are unable to perform their daily tasks independently. This could be due to old age, illness, or disability. Meanwhile, you must understand the intricacies of how to become a caregiver in Canada to decide if this fulfilling and demanding career path aligns with your passion and skills.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about how to become a caregiver in Canada. Let’s get started!
What Does A Caregiver Do?
Caregivers are trained professionals who provide aid and support to people in need on a daily, weekly, or long-term basis. This support might range from easy tasks such as meal preparation and managing medications to highly demanding tasks like bathing, transferring, or dealing with complex healthcare needs. Additionally, caregivers also serve as companions to their clients, helping alleviate the loneliness and boredom that come with long-term illness or aging.
How To Become A Caregiver In Canada
It is very important to understand the role and various responsibilities that come hand in hand with a caregiver job. There are several steps involved in becoming a caregiver and it varies depending on the level and type of care you’ll provide. Below, we’ll explain a few steps to becoming a caregiver in Canada. Scroll down!
Obtain Necessary Training
Some caregiver roles require only a high school diploma or its equivalent, while others may need you to enroll for specialized training/certifications. For instance, it’s highly beneficial to obtain personal support worker (PSW) certificates or healthcare aide (HCA) training.
Look For Job Opportunities
After the completion of your training, then it’s time to start looking for a job. Numerous organizations in Canada provide various caregiver positions, like home healthcare agencies, assisted living facilities, and private households.
Skills And Qualifications Of A Caregiver
To become a caregiver in Canada, there are certain skills and qualifications that you must possess. Meanwhile, this profession requires a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed. Keep reading as we take you through some of the necessary skills and qualifications for a caregiver.
Compassion
As a caregiver, you will work with different individuals who are in distress or experiencing chronic discomfort. Therefore, having a compassionate nature means that you understand their situation and show genuine concern for their well-being.
Patience
Some responsibilities of a caregiver’s job can be slow and repetitive. As such, you will need patience to assist people who have trouble with simple tasks or you may become easily frustrated.
Communication
Being a good communicator will make your job as a caregiver much easier. You will be able to convey instructions and comprehend the needs of the people that you’re assisting. Also, you can easily liaise with other healthcare professionals and family members effectively.
Key Skills And Competencies
To become a professional caregiver in Canada, you will need to have some key skills and competencies. Some of these skills may include excellent communication skills and the ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. As a caregiver, you’ll be working closely with clients and their families and as such, you must have strong interpersonal skills.
Other essential skills include the ability to provide personal care, like bathing and dressing, as well as the knowledge and ability to administer medication. In addition, caregivers must be trained to handle emergencies and understand health and safety protocols. Finally, they must be compassionate and empathetic, since their job requires them to work with vulnerable individuals who need care and support.
Salary And Job Outlook For Caregivers
The average salary of a caregiver in Canada is $39,720 per year. However, it can vary substantially depending on factors ranging from your level of experience, qualifications, and location to the type of care required. When it comes to job outlook, the balance between job seekers and job opportunities will continue to rise for the next decade.
Responsibilities Of A Caregiver
The aged and people with disabilities often receive care from paid professional caregivers. However, some other people count on unpaid assistance from families, friends, and neighbors. Generally, the list of responsibilities of a caregiver is uncountable but below are the necessary tasks that clients may depend on.
- You will help to shop for groceries and needed items.
- You will prepare meals, clean the house, do laundry, and lots more.
- Furthermore, you will help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and administering medications.
- As well as assisting with the transfer of clients in and out of bed.
- You may also need to assist with physical therapy, injections, feeding tubes, or other medical procedures.
- You must ensure to arrange the medical appointments and easy transportation of your client to the doctor or clinic.
- You will need to order and receive medications at the drugstore.
- In addition, you may need to handle a crisis or medical emergency.
- Fill the designated “on-call” position for the family member.
These responsibilities are controllable, but when there’s an illness and demands become complex then a caregiving job becomes challenging.
Tips For New Caregivers
- You will need to learn about the family member’s diagnosis as it’ll help you understand the illness and plan.
- Discuss with your client about their healthcare wishes. Begin your conversation about finances and healthcare early on. Also, ensure you complete the Durable Powers of Attorney for finances and healthcare proxy to effectively prepare for emergencies.
- Furthermore, ensure that you get all family members involved and have a discussion about what’s needed. Include the family member who needs care. This is a great time for every member of the family to express what they need, plan for care, and ask others for assistance.
- Locate community resources like adult day care services and meal delivery like Meals on Wheels. They help give relief and offer respite to the family caregivers. Don’t forget to take training classes to increase your know-how and confidence.
- Lastly, don’t forget to ask for help and support. Care giving responsibilities can sometimes get out of hand when you become isolated and bored. Looking up local and online support groups can be very useful. They often provide connections with other caregivers like you.
Similar Jobs To A Caregiver
1. Home Health Aide
With an average annual salary of $49,150, Home health aides are in charge of assisting clients in their homes with daily activities. These activities may include bathing and bathroom functions, feeding, and grooming. Also, they assist with medical appointments and monitor their health.
2. Personal Support Worker
With an average salary of $65,400 per year, personal support workers offer assistance to individuals with physical disabilities, mental impairments, or any health-related needs. They help to carry out responsibilities that involve clients’ personal hygiene, mobility, and daily activities. As well as provide emotional support and companionship.
