Assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities with daily living activities at the person's home or in a care facility. Duties performed at a place of residence may include keeping house (making beds, doing laundry, washing dishes) and preparing meals. May provide assistance at non-residential care facilities. May advise families, the elderly, convalescents, and persons with disabilities regarding such things as nutrition, cleanliness, and household activities.
Overview
Tasks
Skills
Median Annual Wage: $20,440
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (54%); Some college, no degree (17%); Less than high school diploma (17%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA); Caregiver; Patient Care Assistant (PCA); Personal Care Assistant (PCA); Home Care Aide; Personal Care Aide; Personal Care Attendant (PCA); Home Health Care Provider; Medication Aide; Resident Care Assistant (RCA)
Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or physiotherapists.
Participate in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the client, to evaluate the client's needs and plan for continuing services.
Care for individuals or families during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
Perform housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.
Instruct or advise clients on issues such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene, nutrition, or infant care.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.