What does a Personal Care Worker do?
Published 3 min read
A personal care worker helps people with everyday tasks that they cannot do on their own. This can include anything from helping someone take a shower to cooking meals and doing laundry. Personal care workers also provide companionship and support to their clients.
Personal Care Worker job duties include:
- Assist clients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Help clients move in and out of beds, chairs, and wheelchairs
- Plan, prepare, and serve meals to clients
- Perform light housekeeping duties for clients, such as laundry, dusting, and vacuuming
- Monitor clients' physical and emotional well-being
- Engage clients in social activities and outings
- Provide transportation for clients to doctor's appointments and other engagements
- Assist clients with medications
- Help clients with money management and budgeting
Personal Care Worker Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for personal care workers, although some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Many states have certification programs for personal care workers, and some employers may require certification. Some personal care workers may have previous experience working in a home health aides, nursing assistants, or other related fields.
Personal Care Worker Skills
- Patience
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Communication
- Listening
- Observation
- Writing
- Flexibility
- Creativity
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
Related: Top Personal Care Worker Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Personal Care Worker
A Personal Care Worker (PCW) is a health care professional who provides personal care and support services to people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or the elderly. PCWs help their clients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. They also provide transportation, housekeeping, and companionship.
Becoming a PCW requires completing a training program approved by your state’s Department of Health. Many community colleges offer these programs, which typically take about six months to complete. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a state-administered exam to earn your certification.
Once you are certified, you can begin working as a PCW. Most PCWs work in home health care agencies, but you may also find work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities. You can also choose to work as an independent contractor.
If you are interested in becoming a PCW, start by researching training programs in your area. Once you have completed your training and earned your certification, you will be ready to begin providing quality care to those who need it most.
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