Caregiving can be an extremely rewarding job, but it is important that you have the right qualities and skills to be great at this sometimes difficult job.
Knowing what it takes to become a caregiver can give you a better understanding of if you’re qualified for the job.
What Does a Paid Caregiver Do?
Paid caregivers help people who have difficulty with everyday tasks due to aging, illness, disability, or injury to live and thrive in their day-to-day lives. Paid caregivers can work in a variety of settings, such as at-home one-on-one care, in adult family homes, in assisted living communities, and many others.
Paid caregivers can be expected to help with an array of tasks and services, such as transportation and mobility, assisting with medicine and meals, and helping with personal hygiene and care. These tasks are essential to ensure that the individuals needing care are living happy and healthy lives.
The Essential Qualities of a Great Caregiver
A great caregiver will oftentimes possess a number of skills and qualities that make them stand out as great and responsible workers.
A successful caregiver will most often:
- Have good physical strength and stamina over long shifts or workdays
- Practice patience and have a kind personality
- Know how to stay clean and tidy
- Have great time management and organizational skills
- Enjoying interacting with others and communicating
- Be able to observe people and know when and how to help in an array of situations
- Show compassion and deep care for others
How Much Does a Trained Caregiver Make?
The amount of money you make as a caregiver varies from state to state and city to city. As of May 27, 2021, the average certified caregiver in Washington State makes $33,891 in a single year. Typically, a caregiver across the country can expect to make somewhere between $29,940 and $39,104 a year.
Other factors that may affect a caregiver’s pay are their level of education, certifications they have acquired, and the number of years that they have spent in their profession.
Certified Caregiver Training: How to Become an HCA-C
To become a certified caregiver, you must complete 75 hours of training and pass an exam. In Washington, this includes 5 hours of orientation and safety training, 40 hours of core training, and 30 hours of population-specific training.
Once you have completed 75 hours of training and education, then you will need to pass a state exam to become fully certified. You also must complete your training within 120 days after the day you were hired and must take the test and become certified no more than 200 days after the first day of hire.
Caregiver Training Courses in Western Washington
To become a certified caregiver in Washington State, you must first complete your 75 hours of training. Sunrise Services, located in Everett, WA has been serving the community for over 20 years. Our experienced trainers and extensive courses and curriculums can help you become a successful HCA-C faster than you might be able to elsewhere, especially with our flexible online training options.
Online Caregiver Training Options
Sunrise’s online caregiving training options are available 24 hours a day. These courses allow students to move through the curriculum as slowly or as quickly as needed. Keep in mind that you will still need to attend the core part of your caregiver training in person, so schedule your time accordingly.
Whether you’re just getting started on your professional caregiving career path or you’re continuing your education in the field, Sunrise has online courses to help you become the best caregiver you can be.
In-Person Caregiver Training Options
Our in-person training classes happen monthly at our Everett location. Along with our training courses, Sunrise is a certified regional test site, allowing you to get your training and your exam completed in the same facility.
Contact Sunrise Services to Become A HCA-C Today!
Check out our services and see how Sunrise can help you become a professional and paid caregiver today. Our instructors and office staff are compassionate, skilled, and ready to answer any questions you may have.
Contact us by filling out the form on our website, or check out any of our other resources to see how Sunrise can help you get a jumpstart on your career.