Paid caregivers may be home health aids, personal care attendants, and direct care workers. In some cases family members and friends can even be considered paid caregivers.

Home Health Aids

These are professional health care workers that provide the basic care to the recipient in their own home. Home health aids may also be present in nursing homes or retirement communities to provide care to recipients in a place of comfort.

They provide wound care, medication administration, support in daily activities, and operation of medical equipment.

They are typically paid by family members of the recipient or the recipient themself.

Personal Care Attendants

These are people with certificates in care giving helping recipients with mental or physical disabilities, illnesses, or those having difficulty completing daily tasks. These are not necessarily medical professionals.

The provide assistance in daily tasks, administering medication, support in work/school, companionship, and record keeping on the recipient.

They may work in the recipients home, in an assisted living facility, or even in residential inpatient care facilities.

They are paid by the family of recipient or recipient themself.

Family Members and Friends

Family members and friends are usually not thought to fall into the paid caregiver group but in some cases may.

Due to medicaid, PCAFC, VDC, Supplemental Security Income, and similar governmental programs some interpersonal caregivers may be technically getting paid for their time and work and are in this case considered paid caregivers.

Well Being

In a small amount of cases caregiving can lead to better emotional health due to the feelings of giving back, increased meaning, and personal growth in the life of the caregiver

Finances

Paid caregiving can be a lucrative occupation especially in positions that do not require higher education. It can be a great option for those with no college degree compared to other occupations.

Healthcare Experience

Caregiving may push some individuals to pursue higher forms of education and work, and having a background in caregiving provides many advantages.

Relationships

Caregiving provides an opportunity for an intimate relationship with another person, it is extremely meaningful work and may deepen the caregivers relationship with others.

Online

There are many resources online that caregivers can access providing information on to support themselves, adopt coping mechanisms, and handle the stress of their occupation. The AARP and National Institute for Aging offers these online resources.

In-Person

For some it is important to have support face to face. Many times there are local support groups for caregivers, information for these groups can often be found online, in hospitals, or on social media.

These groups offer an amazing opportunity to connect with others going through similar experiences.

Other

Some caregivers find support through spirituality, maybe by attending church/temple, being apart of groups, or simply connecting with others.

Others find support in excercise, going to the gym, joining a running group, participating in adult leagues of athletics. This can be a great outlet for caregivers to manage stress.

Time

The time spent caregiving may take away from the tie caregivers have available to spend with others in their personal lives. As well as take time away from the vital self care needed to continue in this profession.

Trauma/Stress

The stress and trauma from this occupation can sometimes be referred to as secondary trauma. This may show in the form of burnout or compassion fatigue.

Stability

The profession of caregiving lacks stability as the recipients needs and condition may change and fluctuate unpredictably throughout the time of care. This lack of stability may cause additional stress for the caregiver.

Strain

As mentioned caregiving causes strain both emotionally and physically for those in the occupation. It is a demanding position that requires a lot from those in it and has the great possibility to leave in impact emotionally and physically on caregivers.

This theory places great importance on the presence of commitment in this profession. It requires great responsibility of the caregiver and more commitment than in other professions, as the recipient must be the main priority for the caregiver.

Social Exchange Theory

Caregivers may weigh the benefits and drawbacks of social interactions outside of their work which may cause for greater isolation.

Acceptance Theory

The inability to accept the recipients condition may impact the level of care they receive, the execution of care, and may conflict with other needs of the recipient. This is mostly present in family caregiving

Theory of Human Caring

Emphasizes the healing nature of human caregiver and recipient relationships. This relationship offers unique benefits to both the caregiver and recipient and has the ability to cultivate hope and trust.