Caregiver

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Follows the plan of care to help the consumer to maintain good personal hygiene and maintain a healthful, safe environment, is to perform ONLY those functions specified for each individual consumer [6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter XXVI, section 8.5(D).

Receives written instructions from the supervisor or agency manager

Has knowledge of Agency policies and procedures

Is trained in first aid.

Is oriented and trained in all aspects of care to be provided to consumers.

If able to demonstrate competency in all areas of training for personal care

Personal Care Workers may assist consumers with the following activities :

• Bathing; only when consumer does not have skilled skin care needs and does not have skilled dressing that will require attention before, during or after the bath
• Skin care; only when skin is unbroken and no chronic skin problems are active
• Hair care; PCW may assist with shampooing with non-medicated shampoo (not prescribed by physician), drying, combing, and styling of hair.
• Nail care; soaking nails, pushing back cuticles with a utensil and filing of nails. PCW may not trim nails or assist consumers with peripheral circulatory problems or loss of sensation.
• Mouth care; this may include denture care and basic oral hygiene. PCW’s may not assist consumers who are unconscious, have difficulty swallowing, or are at risk for choking and aspiration.
• Shaving; PCW may assist the consumer with shaving using only an electric or safety razor.
• Dressing; PCW’s cannot assist with ace bandage application or any stockings that are prescribed by a physician.
• Feeding; PCW can assist consumer when they are able to independent chew and swallow without difficulty and be positioned upright.
• Assistance with ambulation; PCW’s may only assist consumers with ability to balance and bear weight. If a health professional has deemed consumer independent with an assistive device the PCW may assist them with ambulation.
• Exercise; Encouragement of normal bodily movement or as tolerated by the consumer or of a prescribed exercise program. (No passive range of motion)
• Positioning; PCW may assist consumers when the consumer can identify to the PCW, verbally, non-verbally, or through others when the positions need to be changed and only when skilled skin care is not required in conjunction with the positions.
• Bladder and bowel care; PCW’s may assist a consumer to and from the bathroom, provide assistance with bedpans, urinals and commodes; peri-care or changing clothes / pads for incontinence. PCW’s may only empty catheter bags (no insertion or removal) and ostomy bags (no enemas, insertion of suppositories, or digital stimulation).
• Medication reminding; a PCW may only assist with medications when they have been pre-selected by a consumer, family member, or health professional and are stored in a container other than the RX bottle, such as a medication minder.
• Housekeeping Activities that a Personal Care Worker may perform include :

Dusting

PCW will receive instruction regarding any special diets required)

Documents observations and services in the individual consumer record.

Reports any change in the consumer's mental or physical condition or in the home situation to the Agency Manager or supervisor.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access consumers’ homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the consumer's condition and to perform consumer care / services

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move consumer weight up to 250 pounds; lift and / or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Hand washing materials and home appliances.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to all consumer records which may be discussed with the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of at least the ninth grade. Preferably a high school diploma or equivalent

Completed training for provision of home care tasks to consumers.

Must pass the agency home care task competency.

Must be free from health problems that may be injurious to consumer, self and co-workers and must present appropriate evidence to substantiate this.

Must comprehends the basics of personal care, housekeeping and meal preparation.

Must understand and respect consumer’s including ethics and confidentiality of care.

Must be able to understand, read and write English.