Home Health Caregiver

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Do backround checks to make sure they can be trusted. Don't hire someone unless they have taken the time to have some sort of certification whether it be CNA, HHA, medical assistant. That way you know they have the training to do the job properly.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I stand out from others because I am certified as a medical assistant. Which means that I have medical skills as well as home care skills. I have worked in assisted living administering meds. as well as in a doctors office assisting with patient care amongst a whole plethera of other duties in that atmosphere.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like the fact that I am helping people on a day to day basis. My job helps people to remain independent in their own homes rather than having to live in a facility of some sort. I've worked in both assisted living facilities and now home care and it is much better for people to be in thier homes where they feel safe, secure, and in control of their lives. It makes a world of difference.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Being a medical assistant I should be working in doctor's offices. Doing more of a clinical job. In 2004 I was looking for work after having graduated from school, I went to several interviews for Dr. offices. They all told me I did'nt have experience so they would not hire me. I saw an ad in the paper for a medicine clerk for a facility and applied. That was the only place that would hire me so I took it. I've been in elder care ever since.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. The pricing system is hourly. But it varies according to the level of care needed for an individual. When meeting with family or whom ever does the hiring the wage will be deciced. I am always honest and fair in the wage and always willing to listen if this seems unfair to the client and I try my best to appease them. But be warned I am not a pushover I expect everyone to conduct themselves fairly and honestly as well. I am concideralbly cheaper than other larger corporate agentcies.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I would suggest that they really reflect and be sure this is what they want to do. It really takes a certain personallity to do what I do. Often it is not easy because in more cases than not you are dealing with people who are ill. It takes an incredible amount of patience and empathy to help people that are not doing well or are lonely. Not to mention you are in there homes and some people are very particular in the way their home is kept you have to respect their things and boundaries. But if you are the right personality it is very fulfilling and can be quite fun!