Life as a Caregiver

Picture courtesy of Ford County Health Department

Life as a caregiver is challenging but rewarding! It's challenging because the pay is very low. If you're a new caregiver, expect to get paid minimum wage. You also don't get paid to drive from one home to the next, but that is California law. Secondly, being a caregiver means you are vulnerable to the problems of your patient and your patient's spouse. The more difficult the patient is having, the more challenges you will have as a caregiver from an emotional standpoint. Not only will the patient be struggling, but you will hear the stresses relayed to you from the patien'ts spouse as well. It's also very unpredictable. Some patients and their spouses have other worries besides the patient's health that you are exposed to because you are at their home on a consistent basis. But that's what also makes the job interesting. If it was the same every day, you would get bored.

As a caregiver, your job is to listen and give your patient comfort as well as their spouse, and that's why I find it rewarding. When you're dependable, friendly, and helpful, you are greatly appreciated. Just make sure you set your boundaries. Don't run a ton of errands unless you get gas money or just say "no" if it's too much for you. You need to remember that you are a professional and you cannot be their friend. There's a fine line, but make sure you keep it professional and DO NOT give out your phone number. Your company will make sure that you don't do that. If you DO give out your phone number, you're going to open yourself up to more drama. 

I recommend this job for people just out of college or people that are retired and want to do something rewarding because they don't want to stay home all of the time. It's a great job as a part time position, but might be extremely overwhelming if you were to do it full time.

Scott Worden

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