Are You Ready for a Career as a Professional Caregiver?

Are you considering a career change, hoping to find something that allows you to grow professionally through rewarding work that helps build your community? You should consider a professional caregiving career with Visiting Angels.

Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency providing non-medical assistance to seniors and disabled adults throughout Northern Arizona. But before you jump into your new career, you may want to ask yourself: are you ready for a career as a professional caregiver?

What do professional caregivers do?

Professional caregivers with Visiting Angels provide at-home care. At-home care means the caregiver offers non-medical assistance to clients at the client’s home. Non-medical aid typically includes helping with daily living tasks, which can vary depending on the client, as each care plan is customized to meet the client’s needs. 

Clients may need help with light housekeeping, cooking, laundry, medication reminders, or running errands. Some clients may require more hands-on assistance with mobility, toileting, showering, bathing, dressing, and grooming. It’s vital you feel comfortable helping with all types of care and can complete tasks in a dignified manner. 

What skills do I need?

Like any job, professional caregiving requires a specific skill set if you want a long and successful career. Visiting Angels does provide job-specific training, but if you feel confident in the following skills, it’ll help set you apart from other applicants. 

• Communication- You should feel comfortable and confident communicating with clients and coworkers. 
• Time management- You’re responsible for arriving at clients’ homes on time and helping them manage their schedules.
• Organization- Staying organized helps you stay focused and at ease. You can also help clients organize their homes and their lives. 
• Leadership- Feel comfortable holding yourself accountable and understand the importance of empathizing with clients and building trust through leadership. 

Need help building your skills?

Even with solid communication, time management, organization, and leadership skills, continuing to develop those assets never hurts. An excellent way to continue perfecting your skill set is with online courses and workshops, such as LinkedIn Learning or Harvard Business School Online. Other great ways to prepare for a career as a professional caregiver are to connect with caregivers, network with home care professionals, and read books about strengthening your communication and leadership. 

What qualities should I have?

Unlike skills, qualities are innate traits you should have that can help you work as a caregiver. You can develop qualities, but you’ll find more success as a professional caregiver if these qualities come naturally to you.

• Empathy- Aging comes with challenges. Empathy allows you to view situations from your client’s perspective. 
• Compassion- Treat your clients, their families, and coworkers with patience and respect, even if you’re having a challenging day. 
• Dependability- Caregiving is not just a job. Clients depend on their caregivers for basic tasks like showering and eating. You never want clients to feel they can’t rely on your support and care. 

How can I get started?

If you possess the skills and qualities needed to work as a professional caregiver, the Visiting Angels Flagstaff team would love to connect. We’re hiring part-time and full-time caregivers to work with seniors throughout Flagstaff, Payson, ShowLow, and the surrounding communities. Working with Visiting Angels means you’ll receive competitive pay, flexible scheduling, one-on-one client interactions, paid training, reimbursable mileage, and more! 

You can send us your application online, message us with any questions, or call 928-220-4100 to learn more.