As children grown into adults many milestones define the lives of both parents and their children. From graduating high school, to leaving the house for a job or college, to finding love and having kids of their own, the milestones of children are often the ones we think of the most. With each of these milestones in children’s lives, there is a milestone in a parent’s as well. From adjusting to a newly empty bedroom, to discovering or rediscovering personal passions, and enjoying grandkids for the first time. Some milestones are happy, and others are more challenging. As we all age, oftentimes the roles of parents and children switch and it is the parents who need their kids help. Wither it’s with setting up the Netflix account or help with performing daily tasks like getting dressed of going to the bathroom, at one point or another many children and parents find their relationships changed. In many ways this arc of the parent-child relationship is incredibly beautiful. In other ways, it is difficult and sad. Depending on the individual circumstances, many children-turned-caregivers learn that they find caregiving very fulfilling. Realizing this, these caregivers have made their first step toward becoming a professional caregiver.
In the United States, a significant majority of caregivers are unpaid family members, with a notable 64% of care falling into the "informal" category, provided without compensation, often by family members. Adult children make up 33% of these caregivers, followed by spouses at 17%. According to a 2020 AARP report titled "Caregiving in the U.S.," a staggering 48 million Americans are currently offering unpaid care to an adult family member or friend, showcasing the prevalent need for individuals interested in caregiver jobs.
Formal Training for Informal Care
The nature of informal caregiving for family member is that care comes from a place of intuition, rather than from training or formal knowledge. For some, this can be a cause of stress, for others, it makes them recognize that caregiving taps into their natural skills and abilities. They realize a caregiver's empathetic engagement can alleviate feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and boredom, bringing joy and anticipation back into the lives of those they care for. This emotional connection is a valuable aspect of any caregiver job, making it a deeply fulfilling option for those passionate about care work.
For some, caregiving feels natural, but for those for whom caregiving is more a source of stress than a passion, a lack of formal training can create feelings of anxiety. Fortunately, we at Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake offer FREE trainings that teach valuable skills to informal caregivers. Homewatch CareGivers University is an easy to use and approachable online caregiving training platform that you can look into today!
Getting Compensation for Your Caregiver Job
Family caregivers often find themselves so absorbed in their new roles that it affects their traditional income sources. However, there are avenues through which caregivers can be compensated for their time and skills, turning their caregiver job into a sustainable career in elder care.
We at Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake are hiring caregivers in the McHenry County area now. Our caregiving model is based on the principles of the Eden Alternative® which is a revolutionary model that centers what people can do, empowers all people to live to the fullest, and upholds every person’s right to choose. These principles empower elders and people receiving care to take command of their lives while receiving appropriate care from professional caregivers.
No experience is necessary! We will gladly teach you everything you need to know to do this kind of innovative work.
We offer flexible scheduling that can fit almost any schedule.
All you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to learn!
If you are interested in learning more about beginning your career as a caregiver at Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake please contact us today at (815) 310-1369 or follow this link to learn more.
Exploring Local Elder Care Job Opportunities
As individuals embark on their journey from family caregiver to a professional caregiver job in elder care, exploring local job opportunities that align with newfound caregiving skills becomes crucial. The demand for compassionate individuals in the elder care job market is substantial, offering diverse possibilities for those passionate about care work to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the elderly.
