Being a Caregiver considered to be Healthcare profession?

[coffee4metech]

I was just curious if the Healthcare profession considered In-Home care "caregivers/aides" part of the the healthcare community ? I just wanted opinions and views , no slamming or degrading comments only intelligent and professional dialogue.

Thxs,

Chula

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Of course; the difference is "scope of practice" and licensure.

[coffee4metech]

Um FYI I am not comparing this to RNS or LPNS , I just asked if this line of work is considered to be a part of healthcare , or something completely different???

thxs

[Ahhphoey]

I would think so. As the other poster stated, it just a different scope of practice just as there various scopes of practice for the various members of the healthcare team.

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

Um FYI I am not comparing this to RNS or LPNS , I just asked if this line of work is considered to be a part of healthcare , or something completely different???

thxs

No one else did, either?

You seem a little defensive about being a nursing assistant? (I noticed you changed your username)

I think you need to define "caregiver," by just those words, I don't know what you mean. A CNA or HHA that does care in the home is a healthcare profession, IMO. There are also caregivers that do basic care, or more "companion" care, and I don't necessarily think that would fall under "healthcare."

[coffee4metech]

A caregiver without a CNA OR HHA certification just a regular in home care /caregiver. A basic care role that they provide and or companionship.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

I consider that a caregiver, but in a sense of unlicensed assistance.

Is it healthcare provider? I suppose it would depend on your perspective. Technically--in your post written above--no.

If you don't need a license or certificate, you are not a healthcare provider. A caregiver, yes--HCP? No.

[rachelgeorgina]

I think you've defined caregiver to broadly. What exactly do you mean? Example: I have three elderly grandparents that all live at home. & while they are independent, they need a lot of assistance. I provide care by organizing/administering their medications, washing the dishes, tidying the house, doing the washing, making sure they're eating/making them food, taking them on small outings (e.g. for coffee), assisting with basic hygiene (like face washing) etcetc. So, I provide care for them, in their homes, but I'm just their granddaughter.

So, what exactly do you mean by caregiver?

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

A caregiver without a CNA OR HHA certification just a regular in home care /caregiver. A basic care role that they provide and or companionship.

I would lean towards "no" then, not a healthcare profession. Companion care can include cleaning, running errands such as grocery shopping, helping cook, and only basic things such as helping wash up, none of which are healthcare skills. Sounds to me like the same thing a nanny would do in caring for kids, and that isn't a healthcare role, either.

[coffee4metech]

All very good points thank you ....

[coffee4metech]

Well the reason I asked is because I know agency's that supply non-medical care to seniors aka caregivers , and the employees wear scrubs would you consider this to be misleading to the public?

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

Well the reason I asked is because I know agency's that supply non-medical care to seniors aka caregivers , and the employees wear scrubs would you consider this to be misleading to the public?

I would consider that misleading, yes, but certainly not unusual. Brings me back to the debate about how some of the HUC's on our floor wear scrubs, even though they do not do any direct patient care (same with housekeeping staff). I think it's a confusing message to convey.