What does a Patient Companion do?
Caregivers provide a wide range of personal care and support to a variety of people. This support generally entails helping people with their daily living activities, ranging from bathing and grooming to planning and cooking meals to assisting with taking medications. Caregivers generally work with seniors, people recovering from surgery, disabled adults, and veterans. This can take place either in a facility or in the form of in-home care.
Caregivers must have a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). Additionally, most caregivers are required to have a valid license and a registered vehicle, pass a background check, and be well-versed in first aid. The best caregivers are dedicated to helping clients gain more independence and improve their quality of life. This oftentimes means caregivers are compassionate, proactive, and dedicated to serving others.
- Address client needs with respect and attention to safety
- Assist clients with daily living activities, including bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom
- Actively engage clients through conversation and companionship
- Engage with clients in a manner that promotes their independence and maintains their dignity
- Help with meal preparation, planning, and grocery shopping
- Perform light housekeeping duties
- Help clients with physical therapy exercises
- Report any unusual incidents or behavior
- Administer medications as outlined
- Maintain a safe environment for clients
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
- Current CPR certification
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Valid driver's license with a registered vehicle that is insured
- Ability to pass a background check
- Current first aid certification
- Ability to read and speak English
- Ability to pass a required TB test and physical exam
- Proven ability to behave with respect and compassion
- Possess a professional and upbeat attitude
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
How much does a Patient Companion make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$37,516
/ yrPatient Companion Career Path
Learn how to become a Patient Companion, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Patient Companion Insights
Comfort Keepers“excuse me I was harassed and you asking me what I did to get hit on inappropriately smh”
AccentCare“When you have a great team and everyone shows up to work every day it’s nice.”
“The pay isn’t great for what we do and they don’t offer many hours.”
“It is a great work/life balance and most of the clients seem to be easy to work with.”
UNM Hospitals“Some management was very unhelpful and didn't always agree on the best way to approach situations.”
Agincare“There was lovely manager when I started but she left and after was only disaster.”
The Great Care Company“good place to work and sometimes you get to go out for lunch on the company.”
Helping Hands Home Care“The best managers and coordinators I've worked with seem to have quit or been fired.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of caregivers
The typical day of a caregiver involves assisting individuals who are unable to care for themselves due to illness, injury, or disability. Daily tasks may include preparing meals, performing housework, providing transportation, assisting with personal hygiene, picking up groceries or medications, and monitoring the individual's overall health.
Caregiving is an excellent career for those who are passionate about helping others. An advantage of being a caregiver is having the opportunity to make a difference in someone's daily life by providing essential care. Becoming a caregiver requires minimal education, so it's a good option for people who are anxious to get to work without years of schooling.
The average salary for caregivers is $37,516 per year. Salaries tend to be higher for staff caregivers in assisted living and continuing care communities for the elderly. Individual and family services are the second-highest paying fields for caregivers. Experience and education can help to increase your earnings.
Working as a caregiver can be very stressful, as you're responsible for the health and wellness of others. One challenge of being a caregiver is that those who routinely work with the elderly may also have to handle the passing of their clients which can be very emotional.