What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?

Working as a professional caregiver is arguably one of the most rewarding career choices for individuals looking to make a difference in someone’s life. The one-on-one client interactions are like nothing else, and the emotionally and mentally fulfilling work makes professional caregiving such a sought-after career. 

The role of a professional caregiver

A professional caregiver is a trained individual who provides nonmedical assistance to clients. The ultimate goal of the caregiver is to help the client remain safe and comfortable in their living space. Depending on the level of care a client needs, caregivers may help with activities like light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, bathing, toileting, and mobility. Some caregivers may also provide transportation to and from appointments. 

It’s essential to understand that professional caregivers are not nurses or nursing aides and may not assist with medical tasks. A caregiver is not responsible for changing bandages, dressing wounds, or administering medicines, even in the presence of a registered nurse. 

Why caregiving is rewarding

Professional caregiving is a lot of work, and it takes a hardworking, compassionate, and self-motivated individual for a successful career. But with all the work comes endless rewards, making it such a highly demanded career path.

You’re helping someone stay independent.

Not all seniors want to move into a senior living community or assisted living facility. Many seniors would prefer to stay at home, but they don’t feel comfortable or cannot care for themselves. That’s where Visiting Angels can help. 

As a professional caregiver, you allow seniors to remain independent by assisting with daily living tasks they may have trouble completing. You’ll ensure their home is tidy, they have healthy meals, and they take their medicines. Some clients may also need assistance bathing, toileting, or dressing. Sometimes you might also need to take them grocery shopping or provide transportation to a doctor’s appointment. 

You’re relieving stress from families.

A lot of stress comes with caring for an aging loved one. Sometimes family members try to provide care while managing their immediate family and career. Other times family members don’t live nearby and worry that their loved one is safe on their own. 

Professional caregivers provide that sense of relief to clients’ families. You’ll help clients with daily living tasks and update families so they know their loved one is safe and cared for. You can also let families know if there is something of concern, such as signs of a cognitive decline or other health conditions that may warrant further observation from a medical professional. Having you around means families can learn about symptoms quicker and help their loved ones find help sooner. 

You’re seeing your work’s impact in real time.

There are many jobs where you can put in work hours and never see the impact on the company or customers. That’s not the case when you’re working as a caregiver. Many clients are beyond grateful to have you in their homes, and they’re not shy to let you know! With professional caregiving, you see how your daily actions improve your client’s life.

You’re lifting spirits. 

Loneliness and social isolation among seniors is a public health concern. Many seniors are not getting outside the home or interacting with others, making them feel disconnected from the world. Sometimes, social isolation can lead to depression and increase a senior’s risk for dementia, heart disease, and stroke. 

A significant part of caregiving is helping around the house, but it’s also about providing companionship. You may be the only person your clients interact with throughout the week, and seeing you can improve their mood, health, and overall well-being. As a caregiver, you can also help them get out of the house by taking them to the park, a movie, museums, or stores. 

Ready to start your caregiving career?

If working as a professional caregiver sounds like something you want to explore, the team at Visiting Angels would love to connect. We’re hiring dedicated individuals for part-time and full-time positions to assist seniors through Grand Junction and the surrounding communities. Working with Visiting Angels means competitive pay, flexible scheduling, one-on-one client interactions, bonus opportunities, and paid training. 

Please send us your application or call 970-254-8888 to take the first step in starting your career as a professional caregiver.