Hire Personal Care Assistants
For patients who are elderly, disabled, weak, or recovering from an illness, personal care assistants play a vital role in their day-to-day life. They ensure safety, provide assistance, and offer emotional support and companionship to patients facing health challenges.
Before hiring a personal care assistant, it is crucial for hiring managers to determine the specific needs of the patient. Is there any language barrier? What are the parameters of the patient’s care? These are crucial details that will help candidates assess if they are a good fit for the role.
Making a job description accurate, complete, and compelling is the next step for hiring managers. A job description is the first form of communication between job seekers and the hiring healthcare facility. Make it count! Be sure to post the job announcement on online hiring platforms, social media sites, and relevant online groups. There are lots of places online where personal care assistants are likely to find your posting. Your job vacancy needs to be visible to candidates.
Responsibilities of a Personal Care Assistant
Personal care assistants support patients in their daily activities. Before caring for a patient, they make sure to read about the patient’s condition, noting what the patient can and cannot do independently, and all other expectations for the role. Be it in a hospital, nursing home, or residence, personal care assistants are in charge of ensuring the safety and security of the patients.
As caregivers, they help patients with personal care, feeding, bathing, going to the bathroom, moving from bed to chair, wheelchair or walker, and dressing. Personal care assistants initiate safe and appropriate activities for patients like playing simple games or storytelling. They remind patients to take their medication on time and note any adverse reactions.
It is important to keep in mind that, while being a companion to patients, personal care assistants must remain alert for changes in the condition of the patient, be it physical, emotional, or mental. They report these changes immediately to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
If needed, personal care assistants also help in basic household chores, tidying up the house, cleaning, or cooking. They also run errands for patients and accompany them to medical appointments and other events. Lastly, personal care assistants provide emotional support to patients and treat them with respect and professionalism at all times.
Skills and Qualifications of a Personal Care Assistant
To qualify as a personal care assistant, candidates must have a caring and helpful attitude and passion for serving others. As the job entails assisting patients with mobility, candidates must be physically fit. Additionally, candidates must be willing to work on a shifting schedule, weekends, and even holidays.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED. An additional certification course as a caregiver is an advantage. As for work background qualifications, previous experience of two years in a similar role is preferred. Candidates must have an updated certificate for CPR and first aid. A valid driver’s license is also typically required.
