Caretaker vs. Caregiver: What’s the Difference?
The terms caretaker and caregiver have very similar meanings, so the terms are often used interchangeably. However, when it comes to elder care, there are some significant differences. So what exactly are the differences between a caretaker vs. caregiver? Read on to learn more.
1. Caretakers Care for Others as a Profession
The most obvious difference between a person who identifies as a caretaker vs. caregiver is that the former is a professional hired to take care of another person, place, item, animal, etc. Regarding senior care, professional caretakers typically work at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, memory care facilities, and home health aide companies.
On the other hand, caregivers are often unpaid family members, friends, or neighbors of an elder who help them in an informal capacity. While caregivers may perform some of the same functions as caretakers, they haven’t chosen to make it their profession.
2. Training: Caretaker vs. Caregiver
The training received by a caretaker vs. caregiver is often very different. A professional caretaker will be trained by their employer in various tasks and functions, including assistance with dressing, toileting, and bathing. Professional caretakers may be required to participate in continuing education, pass examinations set forth by their employer, and learn documentation systems.
Some caretakers may also be required to undergo certification for specific emergencies. CPR certification and first-aid training are two standard certifications caregivers may be required to obtain. Many senior living centers, nursing homes, and memory care facilities will pay for this training for the caretakers it hires.
Caretakers who work in memory care facilities may also be required to complete a certain number of hours of training in dementia or receive other certifications or training in techniques for working with patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Caretakers May Have More Responsibilities
When comparing a caretaker vs. caregiver, it’s helpful to know that caretakers are often charged with more responsibilities. For example, some caretakers may be responsible for walking or driving patients to medical appointments. They may also help with personal hygiene, including hair care, styling, continence needs, and other daily tasks.
Moreover, when notifying doctors and nurses of changes in behavior, abilities, appetite, and more, caretakers are professionally bound to report these changes to the facility’s appropriate medical professional.
4. Caretakers May Be Responsible for Keeping Those in Their Care Active
Each facility is different, but some residential facilities for seniors require that their caretakers keep patients active. This may require caretakers to inform and transport seniors to onsite activities that are available to them. It may also require the caretaker to ensure that their patient gets a daily walk or engages in light stretching.
5. Caretaker vs. caregiver hours
Nursing facilities and memory care facilities operate 24/7. That means that some caretakers will work through the night. By contrast, caregivers, who informally provide support to an elder, typically do so during normal business hours. Caretakers can expect set schedules, whereas caregivers may only provide care on an as-needed basis.
Is a Position as a Caretaker Right for You?
Individuals who tend to enjoy working as a caretaker are those who:
Find reward in helping others
Appreciate flexible schedules (part-time or full-time)
Show interest in advancement opportunities
Enjoy a competitive wage
Love building relationships
Have a soft spot for senior citizens
Find the Perfect Caretaker Job in Lane County
As a top-rated assisted living facility in Springfield, Gateway Living provides memory care, 24-hour nursing care, and personal caretaking services to residents. Caretaker position benefits include competitive wages, excellent benefits, unlimited opportunities for ongoing education and advancement, and flexible schedules. To learn more about positions within the Gateway Living family, view our job listings and consider applying today.