We get a lot of questions about what it’s really like to be a home health aide. So, today we’re going to walk you through a day in the life of a home care nurse. Or, what a day might look like if you worked as a caregiver.
Wake up…
Depending on your chosen work schedule, you can wake up early or late in the day.
Paid caregiving is a job with extremely flexible hours. The time constraints are simply that you be consistent. However, you can choose which hours work best for you.
After you’ve woken up, had your cup of coffee, gone through your morning routine, it’s time to get going. You’ll double check your schedule to make sure there have been no cancellations or alterations. When you’re sure of your schedule for the day, you’ll gather your stuff and jump into the car.
First client of the day.
If it’s a new client, you might want to sit down and just have a quick chat. It’s always a good idea to get to know your clients before you begin your work. Build a strong rapport by asking about their likes, dislikes, and hobbies. And, discuss what they’re looking to get out of having a health aide around the house.
In this field, clients are more than just paying customers. Elderly clients don’t just need someone to come in and clean, or they could get a Roomba. Health care clients are seeking a quality that only human emotion can provide. As you take care of your clients, you’ll chat with them, laugh with them, and get to know them as people.
It’s what makes the job so rewarding.
Moving on to client number two.
Depending on what the first client needs you might spend one hour with them or four. You’ll know when you check your schedule in the morning, so there will be no surprises. But, how much time you spend per client can change weekly.
When you’re done with client number one, you’ll get in your car and drive on over to the second location.
As the title implies, home health aides work at their clients’ homes. The theory behind this is that elderly do better when they’re in a safe, familiar place. And, what better place than their own homes.
It might be strange or nerve wracking to walk into someone else’s house for the first time. However, as you get to know your clients more and more, their homes will become increasingly welcoming and familiar to you.
End of the day.
As you’re finishing up with client number two, you’ll look around the house and double check if there’s anything else to help with.
Caregiving is more than just what’s in the job description. It’s noticing the little things around the house and making a safe, warm environment for your clients. Maybe you’ll notice your client hasn’t had their nails clipped in a while, so you’ll go ahead and take care of that. Maybe you’ll see some blankets on the floor and quickly pick them up so your patient doesn’t trip. Maybe you’ll see a pet that could use a little hygienic attention. Or, maybe you’ll notice that your client is looking a little down and could maybe use some extra emotional support.
Caregiving is not hard, but it does require a close eye. It requires noticing what’s really going on and following up.
At the end of the day, you’ll come home feeling accomplished and satisfied.
Satisfied that you could help so many others that day, while still supporting yourself and the ones you love.
