CNAs and Non-Medical Care/Caregiving

[Hausfrau]

While I am job searching I am seeing a lot of ads looking for caregivers and CNAs for non-medical home care. What exactly does the non-medical mean? Does that imply that a Doctor or Nurse isn't involved?

It is my understanding that in order to work as a CNA we need to be under the direct supervision of a Nurse.

It seems a lot of these places don't even have Nurses working for them but need people to do companionship for the elderly.

I am speculating about a nurse not being involved, but if that's the case then why are they advertising for CNAs?

I am interested in doing home care if I can't get a job in the Hospital, so what am I looking for? Do I ask if I'd be working under a Nurse's supervision?

Any advice would be appreciated.

I need hours to keep my certification!

[yousoldtheworld]

My guess is, if it's an individual posting the ad and not a company, then it might be kind of like an elder "babysitting" job.

It could just mean that the person doesn't require medical/nursing treatments, just someone to stay with them. They might post it for a CNA because they want someone with the experience, but don't require a full nursing service.

or, it could just be a strangely worded ad for a regular CNA job. All you can do is call and ask!

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Maybe they advertised for a CNA rather than a sitter because the person needs help with toileting and they want to make sure they get someone who's not grossed out by that. ??? that's all I can think of.

[caliotter3]

These ads are usually placed by individuals. They ask for CNAs because they want to get someone who is more qualified that just someone off the street. When they indicate it is non medical, you can expect that the pay offered will be a little lower. You need to make certain that you are clear about presenting your qualifications for these jobs so that you are properly compensated. English speaking, driver's license, cooking skills, ability to do lifting and transfers, good references, all have a value when working in the home. So don't sell yourself short. If you have qualms about interviewing or starting work for individuals in the home, you might want to start out working for an agency. They are good for paving the way and often you can get into some good private duty situations through an agency.

[rancelumsden]

We have some individual ads around here, but a great many small business agencies have sprung up for home non-medical care as well as health care.

Essentially, it's assisted living in the persons' home. The jobs will vary, depending on needs. You are expected to assist in any way the person, or their family, has requested. You might shop for them, prepare meals, go through their mail and be sure bills are paid, make sure they are taking their medications (there are limits on how this is approached). Sometimes, it's just visiting for an hour and checking on how they are and giving some companionship. House cleaning. laundry. Making sure things in the house work --- appliances working, lights go on/off and reporting on problems or actually putting in that new light bulb that has burned out.

Bottom line is that a lot of seniors are medically well enough to stay in their house/apartment, but can't totally take care of themselves 100% and their family may live in another state and this gives them a real person to check on how their family member is doing in the home.

But yes, these are not jobs that require a CNA.