Introduction

At Dewdrop Institute, we even go a step further and ensure that our caregivers have the qualifications and the personality to care for seniors. We’ve found that the best caregivers are patient, empathetic, dependable, and flexible. But these are just some of the caregiver qualities we look for. Additionally, we provide ongoing training to make sure that our caregivers are always up-to-date on best practices.

Learning Outcomes

• Learners are expected to be able to define, explain caregiving
• Identify clients and service users in a care setting and
• Understand the qualities and roles of a caregiver
• Learning outcome: Learners should be able to relate with the meaning of elder care
• Learners are expected to be able to explain eldercare and some of the peculiar associated challenges of aging
• Learners should be able to explain abuse, rights and understand institutional/legal provisions for curtailing the prevalence of abuse in a care setting.

Caregiver requirements vary from Country to Country, so there is no set education level or certification required for all caregivers. For example, some caregivers are only required to have 40 hours of training, while other states require 120 hours of education and training. Caregivers can work for agencies that have their own set of standards as well. Private-duty caregivers usually undergo a thorough background check and a rigorous interview process to be hired at an agency. That’s why it’s so important to research the caregiver agency or the independent caregiver you are hiring.

Note from the instructor…

Because “caregiver” and “caretaker” refers to anyone who provides care, there are different types of caregivers. When it comes to senior care, these are the types of caregivers that you may hear about.

Private-duty caregiver: Private-duty caregivers are hired through an agency. These caregivers are typically screened through the agency, bonded, and insured. Working through a caregiver agency, families can get a back-up caregiver if their scheduled caregiver can’t make a shift.

Independent caregivers: These caregivers are also known as private caregivers, but they should not be confused with private-duty caregivers. Independent caregivers do now work through an agency. While the cost can be cheaper, families paying for these caregivers take on the liability of letting someone in their home.

Family caregiver: Family caregivers are members of the family who choose to care for a loved one. These caregivers may be children, spouses, or other family members. They may work another job in addition to their responsibilities and usually don’t receive compensation for their service.

Respite caregiver: A respite caregiver provides care for a period of time to give a family caregiver a break. These caregivers can be private-duty or independent caregivers, but the role implies that they are not long-term caregivers.

This Course is a good introduction to all caregivers who have no experience caring for older persons.

My Approach

I incorporate authentic activities that connect real-world relevance and content knowledge. Authentic activities can range from examining case studies to creating problem-based scenarios in which the students research the problem and create solutions or address gaps within the problem.

I also use inquiry-based learning (IBL), which requires students to investigate questions they have concerning the content.  One strategy common for online instruction is through the implementation of Know, Want to Know, and Learned (KWL) charts. Utilizing KWL charts can initiate exploration of the content as students identify what they know and what they want to know about the topic.