CDPAP is a U.S. government-backed program that provides career opportunities that make a real difference in people’s lives, especially if you are an aspiring professional caregiver. Of course, it’s challenging at times. Still, you get to choose a career that provides job satisfaction, support, and a feeling of actually making a difference in people’s lives.
Let’s look at some of the key aspects and benefits of the CDPAP program.
Caregiving Problems In Families
There are many different types of caregivers. Apart from elderly care, caregiving services can help several other people. This includes an individual who suffered serious injury from an accident or a child suffering from low functioning autism.
In such scenarios, it is common for an immediate family member or a close friend to step up and care for their loved one. However, providing constant care and assistance with daily chores can be overwhelming in the long term. This is especially true when accompanied by a shortage of time and money.
For instance, a son living with his old mother who needs constant care might find it extremely hard to keep up with his new job and personal life, considering how demanding caretaker duties and responsibilities are. This is where a program like CDPAP offers assistance.
Of course, there’s nothing better than finding a caregiver within the family. But Medicaid programs can be beneficial for eligible people who have no other viable options available.
Brief History of the Professional Caregiver Career
The CDPAP program we know today has an approximately 50 years old history. Back then, elderly care wasn’t as advanced or accounted for as it is today. There weren’t many options that older people could have relied on when they were alone and needed immediate care. Care homes in those times were congested and poorly maintained.
Troubled with these problems, a few individuals took the initiative to address them and started working on solutions to provide better care for the elderly. In 1992, NYS (New York State Department) Health recognized their work and paved the way for forming the world’s best elderly care program. However, it was only in 1995 that it was officially named the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.
How to Become a Certified Caregiver: Career Choices & Opportunities
If you’re looking to become a professional caregiver, you can start by choosing from a multitude of options. This includes elderly care centers, residential care management companies, or in-home care agencies. You can either in a particular role. Or, you can take up an overall in-home caregiver’s job like those under the CDPAP program.
For instance, while some entrants are interested in providing nutritious and satisfying home-cooked food to the elderly, others look to become lifestyle coordinators or nursing assistants. As a lifestyle coordinator, you will plan and facilitate the lifestyle activities of your care receiver. It will often include gentle exercise groups, Rosary recitals, going out on bus outings, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, etc.
However, a general caregiver will have to take care of everything. This could be everything from preparing meals to helping with the daily chores of their client or loved one.
CDPAP Guidelines: How to Be a Hospice Caregiver Under CDPAP Program
You must be at least 18 years of age and have a legal working status in the USA to become a caregiver under the CDPAP program. The person who requires care or their designated representative will most likely interview you for the job.
Furthermore, you must be in good physical health. You also must possess a valid social security card to be eligible to work as a caregiver. However, a caregiver does not need to be certified and trained by a department of the health-approved training program.
Finally, note that to take care of an older adult, you must have patience for the elderly. You need to know how they react when you talk to them and respect them.
Conclusion
One of the most rewarding aspects of offering care is bringing happiness, progress, and warmth to people who really need it. If you’re interested or have a passion for working as a caregiver and can handle caretaker responsibilities with eagerness, there are many different growth and research opportunities to explore and progress your career.