The duties of a live-in caregiver vary greatly depending on the setting and who needs care. It is important to determine exactly what will be required before you take a job so everyone's needs are met.
A live-in caregiver will perform many roles.
Situation
Live-in caregivers can work in any home setting and be responsible for anyone needing it regardless of age and medical situation. Examples could be an elderly person who cannot take care of themselves or an infant who needs around-the-clock care.
Function
Job responsibilities might include assistance with daily living skills, administering medicine, housework, cooking, and carrying out therapeutic treatment plans.
Skills
The knowledge needed for this career will vary with each situation. For example, someone who has intense medical needs will require a caregiver who has more nursing experience verses someone who provides mostly childcare. Regardless of the setting, this job requires the desire to help someone live a high quality of life.
Salary
This also will vary greatly depending on what is required of the caregiver. As of May 2008, home health aides had an average hourly salary of $10.31 and childcare workers made an average of $9.79 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Potential
The job outlook for this field is expected to continue its growth through at least 2016, especially with the large increase of the elderly population, according to the BLS.
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