Unlicensed caregiver?!?!

[caregiver1977]

I have an inlaw who is in her late 60s, has had strokes and heart attacks, and is partly paralyzed on her right side. Her walking is limited because of this, so she gets around in a motorized chair in her home (she can do some walking, but not much) Because she is partly paralyzed, doing many things around her home is difficult, but she does manage to do many things. She is also a diabetic on insulin and is able to administer her own shots.

She had started paying me to come to her home about once or twice a week to completely clean the house (mop, clean toilets, do dishes, etc.) wash and dry clothes, light cooking, and general cleaning. Many times I go to the store for her while I am there (she doesn't drive). I do not give her baths (not trained to) and she can do her toileting herself. Sometimes I do comb her hair.

I have another relative who says that I am an unlicensed caregiver and should put that on my resume after I have done this for about 6 months. Is that true? I have no medical training (and I always remind her of that when she wants me to do more involved work). I don't want to be one of these people who gives myself a "title" that I don't deserve and doesn't apply.

BTW, she did have an LPN doing some part-time care for her but that worked out very badly. I think that person would have been better for the job, had their attitude been different.

Thank you for reading and answering.

[IHeartPeds87]

I would just say companion/caregiver on my resume. That is descriptive of what you are doing, putting a positive spin on it, and being truthful.

It is my understading that most companion caregiver positions are unlicensed, and as long as you aren't falsifying a certification you are within your rights to state you are a companion caregiver- that is what you are doing!

[MusicEMT]

It sounds like your more of a housekeeper than caregiver..

while caregivers do housekeeping chores they also bathe/clean the patient, help the patient eat, help with going to the bathroom.. etc they are generally more focused on the patient

you can use it on your resume.. but i wouldnt use it as "caregiving" experince persay

[gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN]

I agree with Want2BANURSESOON, there are many jobs out there for home-companions. This is what you are doing, if you are worried about not being licenced, go for a class in Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA). This will also give you more experience and we are ALWAYS looking for good CNAs. (This in NOT a slam against CNAs, I have worked with more great CNAs than bad ones)

[trauma_lama, BSN]

Hello! I am by no means an expert on this matter, but caregiver and unlicensed both seem applicable and accurate...I think unlicensed caregiver is an okay thing to call yourself. I have spent a lot of time in hospice (as a visitor) and the hospital (as a CNA) and have heard family referred to as caregiver/primary caregiver/etc. I believe that term is generally accepted as meaning someone sharing a personal relationship with a pt who looks out for them in a variety of capacities. I think care provider however might be more tiptoeing towards the false title category... That said, depending on what job you're applying to, I would maybe only list this in-law as a personal reference and not anything else. Many people the world over care for family and friends who have physical disabilities or limitations; I think it might seem like "so what?" on a resume. Unless you decide to get your certification and pursue some sort of nurse aide position, I think the experience would just "clutter-up" a resume.

Never the less, what you're doing is very nice and props to you for speaking up about doing only the things you're comfortable and knowledgeale about doing. Good luck!!

[tomc5555]

It will help you in your job search to list this on your app/resume.

I am a CNA and chose to work for a non medical home care agency after I became certified. I too had experience in assisting relatives (which is why I went on to CNA training). The agency was impressed with my experience. They were looking for someone with an upbeat positive attitude and my 'client' experience helped.

A lot of the duties in home care fall under 'living assistance' and of course adl's. You already have valuable experience that will help you get a facility or home care position.

Good luck!

[caregiver1977]

Thank you all for clarifying things. I am considering CNA training but I have no idea of the cost (a big factor), or the hours (I have small children). Plus my husband would not be crazy about the idea of me going back to school (but we need the money). I live in central Mississippi.

[merlee]

If you are not doing direct care you are not a caregiver. Brushing her hair doesn't count. You are a companion and housekeeper. Nothing wrong with that.

I am not sure where you are taking this - looking for another job at some time? You state that your husband won't be crazy about you going back to school, but a CNA course may be just 2-4 weeks. Call the local Dept of Health for info.

You are obviously a caring person, and you (and your family) may benefit from becoming a CNA.

Best wishes!

[raincitynurse]

I had essentially your same job at one time. My title was personal care assistant.I was not allowed to assist with meds, and did little personal care. I did all the things you describe. I also had the opportunity to go to a DSHS sponsored class to become an NAR. ( Nurses assistant registered) which is an unlicensed, uncertified title.this class was two days long and taught us the very basics, like how to transfer someone.

Your experience counts! It was my first step on the path to nurse.Do some research in your area and see if there are any nursing home which still train CNAs. Additionally, in my state (WA) you can be reimbursed for the out of pocket cost of CNA training.

Good luck!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

As a companion/care giver you don't need a license or certification. You can give baths without going to CNA school. The is a real need for Companion/ caregivers in the home and I think you'd suited to this by your posts. There are some agencies that hire companions/caregivers and I think you should look into that too....maybe they'll train you as a CNA after you prove to be a good employee....Good luck!

[queenjulie, RN]

I work for a home care agency in North Carolina, and we hire people to do that exact job all the time, and we call them "companions" or "homemakers." You don't need a license, and you do the exact work you're describing. We pay $8/hour, because we're in a small, rural area--it would probably be more in a bigger city. I would definitely put it on your resume!

[nursemelyn]

I am considering CNA training but I have no idea of the cost (a big factor), or the hours (I have small children). Plus my husband would not be crazy about the idea of me going back to school (but we need the money). I live in central Mississippi.

I got my CNA while in high school and it was essentially free. My classmates who weren't in high school paid only a couple hundred dollars for the whole course. It's not a long course either, but I don't live in Mississippi, so I'm not sure of what it will cost you. I got mine at a local community college.