You enjoy working with seniors and have plenty of experience providing companionship and assistance. Whether you work in a family home, in a skilled nursing facility or with a senior health agency, you are committed to the care of elders. So where do you take your senior care career from here?
Adding trainings and certifications can be a pivotal step in enhancing the level of care you’re able to provide. Additional training and certifications can also open doors to more niche positions, such as working in palliative care or with a senior who has dementia. If you’re serious about a part-time or full-time career as a senior care provider, ramping up your training will help to set yourself apart from other care providers.
For any training you’re interested in, first check with any national organizations, the Better Business Bureau and local, state or federal agencies to see what the minimum requirements are for working as a senior care provider in your area. You can search “senior care requirements in (your state),” or check out compiled lists online,like this state requirements listfrom In the Know.
Ready to start looking for additional training and certifications? Here are a few caregiver courses to consider when working with seniors. Cost ranges are based on the specific programs listed in each section and are likely to vary for other courses.
1. Basic caregiver certification
There are a lot of resources out there for basic caregiver certification. In these certification programs, you may learn how to assist in activities of daily living (ADLs), how to handle emergencies and how to navigate caregiver-family relationships.
Where to get certified:
You can find a caregiver training program that is recognized by your state’s department of health or choose an online program like Basic Trainer for Caregivers fromCaregiverlistor Care Core Certification by the Relias Academy. Training is usually available at local colleges and vocational schools, as well as hospitals, so check your local institutions for programs.
Cost:
$50-$79, depending on the program you choose.
2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training
As a nursing assistant, orCNA, you’ll learn valuable nurse aid-related knowledge and skills that can benefit your work as a senior care provider. If you’re looking to expand your job search, CNA training can prepare you for roles in various health care settings, like nursing facilities, hospice care, rehabilitation hospitals, etc.
Where to get certified:
Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) provided by the American Red Cross teaches best practices for safety, providing basic care and handling ill patients. NAT training is great for caregivers in states that do not require the exact “Certified Nursing Assistant” designation. If your state does require the CNA title, the Red Cross also offers CNA training in some states. Your local college or nursing school also likely has a CNA certification program you can enroll in. Find requirements forCNA licensing information by state.
Cost:
$1,200-$4,500, depending on location, institution and curriculum.
Similar to basic caregiver certification, a Home Health Aide license is a useful certification to have under your belt. With this certification, you’ll learn basic medical care, patient care, emergency response and patient support in the home. Because home health care aides are not required to have a college degree or high school diploma, HHA certification can add credibility to your resume, as well as provide critical training.
Where to get certified:
The National Association for Home Care and Hospice offers education and credentials through Home Care University, which offersvideo lectures, interactive learning experiences and other resourcesfor care providers. You may also find local training programs at vocational or nursing schools. The Red Cross also offers some HHA programs, depending on the location.
Cost:
$25 for some individual classes, up to $800 for a full certificate program.
4. First aid and emergency care
Many care providers are likely CPR-certified, but you can add to your toolkit with additional emergency training such as in first aid. This can prepare you for simple cuts, burns and bruises that can help with your charge, as well as teach you how to manage larger medical emergencies until EMS arrives.
Where to get certified:
The Red Cross is one of the best places to go for a wide range of emergency and medical training. They offer:
Other organizations that offer this type of semi-medical training include EMS Safety Services and the American Heart Association. You may also find some basic emergency training from your local emergency services or fire station; some hold free events for the public. If you work for an agency, this sort of training should be routinely provided.
Cost:
$65-$105, depending on area and course availability.
“Some facilities, whether private or inpatient, will offer training for caregivers of patients at the end of life.”
— ALICIA ALLEN, CHARGE NURSE
5. Hospice, palliative care and end-of-life care
Part of caring for seniors may include watching them fall ill or reach the end of their life, and there are a number of certifications and trainings that can help you navigate this emotional time.
Alicia Allen, charge nurse at a large hospital in Lafayette, Colorado, also recommends checking with inpatient hospice units for training.
“Some facilities, whether private or inpatient, will offer training for caregivers of patients at the end of life,” she says.
You may also find hospice care providers in this setting who can answer your questions and provide resources for what can be the hardest times in a senior care provider’s work.
Cost:
$35-$150, depending on location and program.
6. Memory care training
Memory care training provides skills for caregivers who are working withpatients suffering from dementia, which is an umbrella term that refers to a decline inmemory, language and other facultiesthat interferes with a person’s capacity to live their life normally.
Where to get certified:
Memory care training is typically offered virtually, with each program varying in cost and time commitment. For example, theAlzheimer’s Association EssentiALZtrainings lasts three hours and are self-paced, while the Dementia Care Education program takes eight hours with continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
Cost:
Prices vary depending on the organization. For example, Alzheimer’s Association trainings cost $60 while the Dementia Care Education program costs $199.
7. Companion care training
Companion carecan be thought of as “hands-off care” for seniors who don’t require medical attention as a result of living with mobility issues and chronic illness, explains Nicole Brackett, Care Delivery and Education Manager atHomewatch CareGivers.
This type of care aims to combatsocial isolation and loneliness, which can affect an older adult’s health and quality of life, she says.
Where to get certified:
Each state and agency has their own training and qualification prerequisites for companion caregivers. And there are no official college degrees or course requirements you’ll need under your belt to become a companion caregiver.
“However, many agencies offer training for those looking to become caregivers,” says Baldwin. “At the very least, you would need a high school degree and a driver’s license to help someone get around. Any experience related to caregiving, like nursing, is also welcome by agencies.”
Check out your individual state department of health, which might offer information related to training.
Cost:
Prices vary depending on the organization and location.
8. Training for specific conditions and needs
Do you have patients who have specific medical conditions or needs beyond activities of daily living? Taking continuing education classesin these areas can help you better provide for patients, as well as appeal to families struggling with the same needs.
Where to get certified:
Relias Academy is a great resource for this sort of training, and they offer a number of specialized courses to choose from. To name a couple:
Courses start at $15.You can also get an all-access subscription, which offers access to1,450+ courses, for $249.
Education doesn’t have to be expensive — but make sure it’s legitimate
Your continuing education in senior care doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. Your training can range from reading library books (check out ones on aging, health issues and providing care) to online classes, which are often more affordable than in-person classes and are provided at local recreation centers and colleges.
You can also join a caregiver alliance or support group to find inexpensive learning opportunities. The Family Caregiver Alliance provides resources for online and in-person support groups, where you can learn from peers’ experiences. The Caregiver Action Network (formerly the National Family Caregivers Association) is another source of support and discussion for care providers.
But before you choose any course or program, make sure it’s accredited and legitimate. Ensure the certification is widely recognized by agencies and families. If you’re unsure about a certificate or program, you can always call a local senior care agency and ask if they know of it. You can also search for testimonials and reviews from previous students to see if they’ve had a positive experience with the program or school.
Designed with the non-regulated workforce in mind, the Care Certificate gives everyone the confidence that health and care professionals have the same introductory skills, knowledge and behaviours to provide compassionate, safe and high-quality care and support in their own particular workplace setting.
These are the guiding principles that help to put the interests of the individual receiving care or support at the centre of everything we do. Examples include: individuality, independence, privacy, partnership, choice, dignity, respect and rights.
The Care Certificate is not accredited as a qualification but it is possible to assess for it so that it can count towards gaining a Qualifications and Curriculum Framework (QCF) award.
Although The Care Certificate is not mandatory to work in care, it covers essential topics that help carers throughout their working day, every day, for life and therefore it is a valuable and indispensable tool for anyone starting off on a career in health care.
"Duty of care" describes a situation where you have a responsibility to maintain the health, safety and well-being of others, and can include such issues as providing safe working conditions and offering constructive feedback.
Established in 2001, Skills for Care is the strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care in England. We work with employers, Government and partners to ensure social care has the right people, skills and support required to deliver the highest quality care and support now and in the future.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) were replaced by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) several years ago and the current qualification you are referring to is known as a QCF level 2 Diploma in Care.
The certificates do not expire however best practice suggests a renewal period of 3 years for training. The recommended renewal date of is printed on your certificate. Please check with your employer for their best practice and renewal policy.
That being the case, one should become familiar with the top ten qualities to look for in senior care management personnel and companion care services:
A good carer has empathy and the ability to put themselves in the shoes of the people they care for. The ability to do this allows good carers to fully understand the needs of their service users and will tailor the care they provide around their understanding to ensure high quality, person-centred support.
Training courses consist of 15 modules related to delivering care and are held over a 1 week period for those with no prior experience necessary, followed by a 12 week period of supervision to determine competency.
Thank you for your question. Your employers are right. The Care Certificate is not equivalent to NVQ 2 or to a Level 2 Diploma in Care. The Care Certificate is a set of 15 standards that sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected for specific job roles in the health and social care sectors.
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is an occupational qualification for learners who work within Adult Care settings. The qualification is for workers who have key responsibilities for delivery of care. This can be credited towards an access to nursing course in most universities.
planning to do all work safely. making sure that all work is conducted without risk to workers' health and safety. identifying health and safety training required for an activity. ensuring workers undertake appropriate and specific safety training.
A duty of care is a legal duty to provide a reasonable standard of care to your patients and to act in ways that protect their safety. A duty of care exists when it could reasonably be expected that a person‟s actions, or failure to act, might cause injury to another person.
Pick one or two strengths that are important for the job, such as communication skills, empathy, ability to handle both administrative and clinical duties, responsibility, patience, etc, and one weakness that either isn't central for the job, or you can quite easily improve on it.
The level 2 QCF / NVQ course focuses on enabling quality person-centred care, developing and maintaining an individual's independence, and improving the delivery of care to service users. Learners can customise their NVQ / QCF course to suit them, with generic, dementia and learning disabilities pathways available.
The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) is designed to develop your knowledge in key areas such as Duty of Care, diversity and inclusion, communication, safeguarding, championing health and wellbeing, and seeking to enhance your own professional development.
Level 2 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (QCF)
This is a 30-credit programme which extends the specialist work-related focus of the Level 2 Certificate and covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. It is broadly equivalent to two GCSEs.
The values of compassion, dignity and respect are essential when involving people in their own care. Decisions should be shared decisions, with the individual seen as an equal partner in their care.
The principles of care include choice, dignity, independence, partnership, privacy, respect, rights, safety, equality and inclusion, and confidentiality.
The care value base is a set guidelines that every care practitioner has to follow to provide effective services to their clients. All care workers should follow the principles of care when working with individuals, to make sure they all receive the correct care they need.
The Care Certificate consists of 15 standards that require both theoretical study and practical application within the learner's place of work. All elements of the standards must be completed and assessed before certificates are awarded.
As a health or social care worker, you are responsible for taking reasonable care of yourself and others in the workplace. You need to follow the policies and procedures of your employer and not act in a way which will cause an accident or ill health to yourself or others.
10. How long does it take to complete the Care Certificate? The experience of the pilot sites has shown that for full-time staff the average amount of time taken for a new employee to demonstrate the expected competences and knowledge is 12 weeks.
If you fall into the following three categories, you'll be expected to complete the Care Certificate: You're new to care.You're currently employed as an adult social care worker.You provide direct care in a residential home, nursing home, hospice or are a home care worker.
Checking on your senior loved one's health is an important caregiver responsibility. You may need to help keep track of medical appointments, manage medications and chronic conditions, or assess pain levels. It's a good idea to discuss your loved one's health with their doctor and other health professionals regularly.
Good social skills are essential in this line of work because caregivers need to develop rapport or a sense of trust from their patients and everyone involved in the patient's life. A caregiver's interpersonal skills will help ward off the patient's sense of isolation and feelings of loneliness.
Personal growth: Working with seniors can help drive you to be more compassionate than you thought possible, increase your efficiency and inspire greater patience. It can also help create a more profound sense of gratitude for your own life and loved ones.
The certificates do not expire however best practice suggests a renewal period of 3 years for training. The recommended renewal date of is printed on your certificate.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) were replaced by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) several years ago and the current qualification you are referring to is known as a QCF level 2 Diploma in Care.
The Care Certificate is not equivalent to NVQ 2 or to a Level 2 Diploma in Care. The Care Certificate is a set of 15 standards that sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected for specific job roles in the health and social care sectors.
The average amount of time for an employee to complete the Care Certificate is around 12 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the number of hours you work as well as your previous education and experience.
It is freely available to access for staff in the health and care sectors. The elearning programme is based on the Care Certificate workbook, which was developed by Health Education England, Skills for Care and Skills for Health.
The Care Certificate is a training requirement that forms part of the induction process for those who are new to health and social care. It was designed jointly by Skills for Care, Skills for Health and Health Education England.
The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) is designed to develop your knowledge in key areas such as Duty of Care, diversity and inclusion, communication, safeguarding, championing health and wellbeing, and seeking to enhance your own professional development.
Level 2 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (QCF)
This is a 30-credit programme which extends the specialist work-related focus of the Level 2 Certificate and covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. It is broadly equivalent to two GCSEs.
With one to two years' experience as a healthcare assistant (plus NVQ Level 3 in health), your employer may agree to second you to nurse training. On secondment, you would receive a salary while studying. After you qualify as a nurse, your employer may expect you to work with them for a qualifying period.
How long will it take? The course is completely flexible and we encourage students to learn at their own pace. The awarding body do stipulate that candidates complete the course within 36 months, but most students will successful finish the programme in around 9!
While you can start in the role of a care worker without any formal qualifications, it is always a good idea to have official qualifications. Previous voluntary work with patients in a care home setting is also a good idea. You do not need any GCSEs, A-Levels or degrees.
You will earn 15 CPD points on completion of the course, this course will take around 15 hours to complete and the certificate will last for two years.
No, the certificate is designed to be portable. If you change jobs or take on a new employee, or if they have completed the Care Certificate elsewhere, you do not need to achieve the Certificate again.
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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