AIM Magazine 2017 Print_AIM Magazine_2017_web | Page 47

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Perhaps you grew up helping take care of younger siblings , or maybe even a grandparent . If you did , those experiences may have prepared you for a career as a caregiver .
HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE gives older people the help they need to age in their own homes instead of a nursing home . “ Our caregivers do everything a family member would do ,” explains Carey Lingenfelter , managing partner . “ That includes things like providing companionship , cooking , housekeeping , running errands and medication reminders . Those may seem like little things , but a caregiver can make a big difference in someone ’ s life .”
Home Instead Senior Care has 150 caregivers in Northwest Arkansas and is always looking to grow its team . The company is a good fit if you ’ re interested in health care or family and consumer sciences . “ We want to be your first job ,” Lingenfelter says . “ Our services are a fantastic entry point to the workforce and we want to help you build a great career .”
Home Instead Senior Care believes in caring for its employees as much as they care for their clients . All Home Instead caregivers receive state-certified training in behavioral and dietary management and learn how to help seniors with needs like bathing and grooming . “ That training can really help you build your résumé , whether it ’ s for college applications or a future job in health care ,” says Lingenfelter .
Becoming a certified nursing assistant could also help build your career at Home Instead . “ You don ’ t have to be a CNA to work here , but it ’ s something we like to see because it can help you reach your future career goals , especially if you ’ re interested in someday becoming a nurse , medical technician , or advancing within the company ,” Lingenfelter explains . “ We offer sponsorships to help some of our team members get their CNA license .”
At Home Instead Senior Care you ’ re part of the largest senior care organization in the world with more than 1,000 local franchise offices in the U . S . and 11 global markets . The Northwest Arkansas office serves Benton , Washington , Madison and Carroll counties . Team members enjoy competitive pay and flexible schedules . “ We have four different shifts available- morning , afternoon , evening and overnight- so you can work around school or family needs . You also have the option of working full time or part time . Our full time caregivers receive benefits including health , dental and vision insurance , a retirement savings plan and paid time off ,” Lingenfelter says .
To be a caregiver you need to have a genuine desire to help people , be compassionate , respectful , and be able to manage your time wisely . You should also have a neat appearance , be able to communicate clearly and pay attention to details . “ Our caregivers must be able to understand and share information from doctors or social workers with the client ’ s family ,” Lingenfelter explains . “ We offer training to help you be able to do that .”
Caregivers must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass an extensive background check and drug test . You also need to have a good driving record and have reliable transportation . “ Our clients rely on our caregivers each day . They place a great amount of trust in us , and we return that by treating every client and their home with dignity and respect ,” Lingenfelter explains . In return , Home Instead caregivers receive something not every career can offer- a sense of personal fulfillment . “ Being able to help someone stay in their own home is incredibly rewarding . It ’ s about building personal relationships while growing as a professional .” For more information , visit homeinstead . com .
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