Is Caregiving the Right Career Path for You?

It’s never been a better time to pursue a career as a caregiver. With jobs in the field expected to increase 41 percent between 2016 and 2026, you’ll likely find years of secure employment. But as rewarding as caregiving can be, it isn’t without its challenges. It’s important to know what those challenges are before fully committing to a career in the healthcare industry.

Medical Work Isn’t Easy

As a caregiver, your job will involve caring for those who are disabled, ill, or cognitively impaired. Your job isn’t to perform surgery or other medical procedures, but you will be in charge of helping with your patients’ day-to-day activities, including bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and meal preparation. This can vary depending on whether you’re providing in-home care or working for a senior living facility.

There are instances, though, where you may be expected to provide light medical care. You may need to clean and refill a feeding tube, change feeding tube supplies, or pick up and administer medications. Experience working in a medical care setting can help prepare you for what’s expected.

Caregiving Can Be Messy

If you have a patient with limited mobility, getting to the restroom when necessary can be complicated. You may be tasked with changing or cleaning bedpans or cleaning up if accidents occur. If you have a patient who has these types of accidents, bladder pads can be a great preventive action.

However, it’s important to know your boundaries. If you’re caring for someone who lives in a home with others, make it clear from the start that you are only there to care for the patient. Your duty is not to clean or make meals for others in the household. Also request that family members keep you updated on any changes in the patient’s medical condition or routine, especially if they won’t be present during your visit so that you can ask.

You’ll Need a Strong Support System

Caregiving can be emotionally draining work, whether you’re doing it personally or professionally. You may feel too exhausted as you return home at the end of a shift to take care of your own needs. Make sure you don’t sacrifice a personal life, even if you find the work you do personally rewarding.

Perhaps one of the toughest things about the job of caregiver is dealing with patient deaths. You will have it happen, probably on a fairly regular basis. You will inevitably become personally attached to your patients as a result of spending so much time together. Make sure you have a support system in place to help you through those difficult losses. It can also help to regularly interact with others who go through similar grief in their work, whether it’s through a formal support group or just meeting colleagues for coffee once a week.

Few careers can be as rewarding as helping patients who need it. But the role of a professional caretaker has many challenges. By understanding those challenges from the start, you’ll be better equipped to overcome them.