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What is a caregiver assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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As people get older, they are less able to perform basic tasks, such as cleaning their living area or performing basic personal grooming. Caregiver assistants are predominantly responsible with assisting in these tasks for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, allowing residents to live their lives with dignity.

Caregiver assistants perform whatever tasks are needed to help the patients they work with. This can include helping them with personal grooming tasks like bathing or with basic household tasks like cleaning or preparing meals. However, the most important task that a caregiver assistant does is provide comfort and understanding to the patients they work with.

Most caregiver assistants don't have bachelor's degrees. Pertinent skills are usually learned on the job. Caregiver assistents are expected to have keen attention to detail and the physical stamina needed to assist residents. Above all, caregiver assistants need to be compassionate and understanding of patients with various, sometimes debilitating disabilities.

ScoreCaregiver AssistantUS Average
Salary
2.4

Avg. Salary $30,471

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.0

Growth rate 36%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.20%

Asian 8.37%

Black or African American 9.87%

Hispanic or Latino 22.01%

Unknown 4.39%

White 54.16%

Gender

female 82.41%

male 17.59%

Age - 50
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50
Stress level
8.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
9.6

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Caregiver assistant career paths

Key steps to become a caregiver assistant

  1. Explore caregiver assistant education requirements

    Most common caregiver assistant degrees

    High School Diploma

    33.6 %

    Bachelor's

    25.5 %

    Associate

    17.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific caregiver assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Compassion55.88%
    Customer Service9.34%
    Senior Care7.74%
    Meal Prep2.67%
    Direct Care2.52%
  3. Gain additional caregiver assistant certifications

    Caregiver assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific caregiver assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for caregivers assistant include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  4. Research caregiver assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Assist residents with bathing and other ADL's.
    • Provide care and assistance to private individual including all ADL's.
    • Provide care for residents with special conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
    • Provide assistance for primary caregiver by providing companionship to elderly client.
  5. Prepare your caregiver assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your caregiver assistant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a caregiver assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable caregiver assistant resume templates

    Build a professional caregiver assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your caregiver assistant resume.
    Caregiver Assistant Resume
    Caregiver Assistant Resume
    Caregiver Assistant Resume
    Caregiver Assistant Resume
    Caregiver Assistant Resume
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    Caregiver Assistant Resume
  6. Apply for caregiver assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a caregiver assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first caregiver assistant job

Ratu Serukaitoga

Caregiver Assistant

Becoming a caregiver involves both a compassionate disposition and practical skills. Here's a general guide on how to become a caregiver:
Self-assessment: Reflect on your personal qualities and motivations. Caregiving can be demanding, so ensure you have the patience, empathy, and willingness to assist others.
Education and Training: While formal education isn't always required, completing courses in caregiving, nursing assistance, or related fields can be beneficial. Look for accredited programs or certifications offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or online platforms.
Gain Experience: Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, or community centers to gain firsthand experience in caregiving. This allows you to understand the responsibilities and challenges involved.
Develop Skills: Enhance your caregiving skills by learning about basic medical procedures, first aid, medication management, and communication techniques. These skills will help you provide effective care and support to those in need.
Consider Specialization: Caregiving encompasses a wide range of areas, including elderly care, childcare, disability support, and more. Consider specializing in a particular area based on your interests and strengths.
Obtain Necessary Certifications: Depending on your location and the type of caregiving you're pursuing, you may need to obtain specific certifications or licenses. Research the requirements in your area and ensure you meet them.
Seek Employment: Look for job opportunities through healthcare agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or private households. Create a compelling resume highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
Continued Learning: Stay updated on best practices and advancements in caregiving through workshops, seminars, and online courses. Continuous learning will help you improve your skills and provide better care to your clients.
Build a Support System: Caregiving can be emotionally and physically taxing. Develop a support network of family, friends, and colleagues who can provide encouragement and assistance when needed.
Practice Self-Care: Don't forget to take care of yourself while caring for others. Prioritize your own physical and mental well-being by engaging in activities you enjoy, setting boundaries, and seeking support when necessary.

Caregiving is a rewarding yet challenging profession that requires dedication, compassion, and ongoing learning. By following t

Average caregiver assistant salary

The average caregiver assistant salary in the United States is $30,471 per year or $15 per hour. Caregiver assistant salaries range between $23,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average caregiver assistant salary
$30,471 Yearly
$14.65 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do caregivers assistant rate their job?

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Based on 1 ratings

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Caregiver assistant reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023
Pros

Very fulfilling and rewarding

Cons

Hard work, not enough staff, mandated a lot. Under appreciated!


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

The ability to show care, love & compassion to those whom have none or family can't give time to show any. It's like being the missing piece to a puzzle we all if lucky enough get to live long enough to experience. It's making someones day by just remembering to watch their hands and face before/ after meals. To give proper attention to teeth, to let dressing am or pm still br a choice they make. I know im a good human with an oversized caring heart and although sometimes its exhausting working extra hrs or having to do all or extra work on short staffed days it's worth it. And slow and steady wins the day. They are people whom have gone through & experienced more then we will ever get too.

Cons

All the changes with certification and how you can be on the floor of a facility and know not even common sense. How they have hospitality aides, hca, and people going to start a free class. Back in the day we were called glorified babysitters I never agreed until we have just a warm body with no license(s) whom can't do anything even as small as getting ice waters. I've worked hard tobe where i am and these people take a computer class and pass we would call that our continuing education hrs but what do i know after 23 yrs. I once REALLY loved my job and still do but it's almost like being in grade school with people who have phone's lol It bothers me that many new or non licensed bodies have the audacity to come in these facilities and act like the residents are on their time! We are in their home to help provide ADL's amongst other things like them still trying to be & keep their independence. The ridiculous amount they have to spend to have the care they get from some people makes me wanna die young!! Our system sucks unless its the government making the dollar. I just wish they'd spend an 8 hr shift in these facilities before signing off on some rules & regs. Im not political by any means but those who take the dollar should get to live and experience a day of what our elderly lived ones are forced to experience daily , monthly, yearly! In fact the state hasn't even done the 18 month annual expectation in over 2 yrs at the place im contracted at 👍way to keep up on stuff and by stuff I mean our elderly living human beans. People who deserve to be served on gold plates or at least gave better food then what they serve daycares and if not that at least for it to be at high minimum warm food !! In 23 yrs of being a CNA I can only try to write a book to get out all the things I've seen ,heard. & witnessed in the years.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2021
Pros

Knowing that you are supporting Doctor's , Nurses , and other health care providers, helping people recover from illness or injury and if they are in the end stages allowing them to have respect and dignity in the end stages of life, being able to give aid and comfort to their families. Seeing that love ones even if they have no family receive respect. I enjoy helping people when they need it the most.

Cons

For profits places, that understaffed under schedule, Nursing staff, do not provide proper equipment nor keep it in repair. Do not allow staff breaks lock the bathrooms, do not even give lunch breaks, Call you on your C phone when you are changing a diaper from in side the ward to tell you to go help another ward. No between shift report. not providing the names of R.N. or L.V.N. to changes in Clients conditions. I have worked as a L.N.A. I love my choice for a career But due to the conditions of Phoenix Arizona facilities I will not be looking for a job in the field. You have to go to an add agency to find a job, Some jobs have wonderful advertisement and then after two week you learn what they are really like .Not Good All they care about is profit. no dignity no respect for pat6ients,clints or staff. I pray to god there are some good places in or around Phoenix Arizona I have not found one yet and the agency are not very honest. God Bless the Clients in their care keep them safe and healthy


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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