The requirements for becoming a home care companion may differ depending on where you live and where you intend to work. Some jobs necessitate specialized training, while others do not. If you want to work as a home care companion, you’ll need to have certain qualities and skills, such as honesty, a desire to help others, the ability to work well with others, good communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions. Before being allowed to provide direct assistance to clients, you will almost certainly have to pass a criminal background check.
Certain types of home care require no special education or licensing in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. A home care worker must be formally trained and certified before being allowed to work for a home care agency in the United States if services are paid for a government health care program. State-by-state requirements for becoming a home care companion and becoming certified vary, but certification typically requires at least 75 hours of training and a passing score on a certification exam. Before you can start working in home care, you may need to complete several hours of supervised training.
If you want to work as a home care companion but don’t need to be certified, you can expect to be trained on the job a home health care nurse, a family member of the person you’re caring for, or the patient themselves. While job descriptions vary, you can expect to be taught how to handle client emergencies, prepare special meals, and complete housekeeping tasks according to the client’s specifications at the very least. It is also a good idea to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid procedures before applying to be a home care companion.
You must be naturally compassionate toward others in order to work as a home care companion. You will frequently be required to demonstrate a high level of patience and understanding, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. You will provide basic care to clients assisting them with physical challenges, but you may also be asked to assist with housekeeping. To work as a home care companion, you must be organized and willing to help your client maintain a clean and comfortable environment at all times.