You enjoy working with seniors and have plenty of experience providing companionship and assistance. Whether you work in a family home, in a skilled nursing facility or with a senior health agency, you are committed to the care of older adults. So where do you take your senior care career from here?
Undergoing senior care training or obtaining a senior care certification can be a pivotal step in enhancing the level of care you’re able to provide. Additional training and certifications can also open doors to more niche positions, such as working in palliative care or with a senior who has dementia. If you’re serious about a part-time or full-time career as a senior care provider, ramping up your training or getting a senior care certification will, no doubt, help to set yourself apart from other care providers.
For any senior care training you’re interested in, first check with any national organizations, the Better Business Bureau and local, state or federal agencies to see what the minimum requirements are for working as a senior care provider in your area. You can search “senior care requirements in (your state),” or check out compiled lists online, like this state requirements list from In the Know.
Ready to start looking for a senior care certification? Here are a few courses to consider. Cost ranges are based on the specific programs listed in each section and are likely to vary for other courses.
1. Basic caregiver certification
There are a lot of resources out there for basic caregiver certification. In these certification programs, you may learn how to assist in activities of daily living (ADLs), how to handle emergencies and how to navigate caregiver-family relationships.
Where to get certified:
You can find a caregiver certification program that is recognized by your state’s department of health or choose an online program like Basic Trainer for Caregivers from Caregiverlist or Care Core Certification by the Relias Academy. Training is usually available at local colleges and vocational schools, as well as hospitals, so check your local institutions for programs.
Cost:
$50-$100, depending on the program you choose.
2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training
As a nursing assistant, or CNA, you’ll learn valuable nurse aid-related knowledge and skills that can benefit your work as a senior care provider. If you’re looking to expand your job search, CNA training can prepare you for roles in various health care settings, like nursing facilities, hospice care, rehabilitation hospitals, etc.
Where to get certified:
Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) provided by the American Red Cross teaches best practices for safety, providing basic care and handling ill patients. NAT training is great for caregivers in states that do not require the exact “Certified Nursing Assistant” designation. If your state does require the CNA title, the Red Cross also offers CNA training in some states. Your local college or nursing school also likely has a CNA certification program you can enroll in. Find requirements for CNA licensing information by state.
Cost:
$600-$2,000 (on average), depending on location, institution and curriculum.
3. Home Health Aide license (HHA)
Similar to basic senior care certification, a Home Health Aide license is a useful certification to have under your belt. With this caregiver certification, you’ll learn basic medical care, patient care, emergency response and patient support in the home. Because home health care aides are not required to have a college degree or high school diploma, HHA certification can add credibility to your resume, as well as provide critical training.
Where to get certified:
The National Association for Home Care and Hospice offers education and credentials through Home Care University, which offers video lectures, interactive learning experiences and other resources for care providers. You may also find local training programs at vocational or nursing schools. The Red Cross also offers some HHA programs, depending on the location.
Cost:
$50 for some individual classes, up to $800 for a full certificate program.
4. First aid and emergency care
Many care providers are likely CPR-certified, but you can add to your toolkit with additional emergency training such as in first aid. This can prepare you for simple cuts, burns and bruises that can help with your charge, as well as teach you how to manage larger medical emergencies until EMS arrives.
Where to get certified:
The Red Cross is one of the best places to go for a wide range of emergency and medical training. They offer:
Other organizations that offer this type of semi-medical training include EMS Safety Services and the American Heart Association. You may also find some basic emergency training from your local emergency services or fire station; some hold free events for the public. If you work for an agency, this sort of training should be routinely provided.
Cost:
$40-$300, depending on area and course availability.
5. Hospice, palliative care and end-of-life care
Part of caring for seniors may include watching them fall ill or reach the end of their life, and there are a number of certifications and trainings that can help you navigate this emotional time.
Where to get certified:
Organizations like the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offer a wide range of end-of-life courses, including Integrated Care Management Certificate Program and Hospice Quality Certificate Program.
Alicia Allen, charge nurse at a large hospital in Lafayette, Colorado, also recommends checking with inpatient hospice units for training.
“Some facilities, whether private or inpatient, will offer training for caregivers of patients at the end of life,” she says.
You may also find hospice care providers in this setting who can answer your questions and provide resources for what can be the hardest times in a senior care provider’s work.
Cost:
$70-$600, depending on location and program.
6. Memory care training
Memory care training provides skills for caregivers who are working with patients suffering from dementia, which is an umbrella term that refers to a decline in memory, language and other faculties that interferes with a person’s capacity to live their life normally.
Where to get certified:
Memory care training is typically offered virtually, with each program varying in cost and time commitment. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association EssentiALZ trainings lasts three hours and are self-paced, while the Dementia Care Education program takes eight hours with continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
Cost:
Prices vary depending on the organization. For example, Alzheimer’s Association trainings cost $60 while the Dementia Care Education program costs $199.
7. Companion care training
Companion care can be thought of as “hands-off care” for seniors who don’t require medical attention as a result of living with mobility issues and chronic illness, explains Nicole Brackett, Care Delivery and Education Manager at Homewatch CareGivers.
This type of care aims to combat social isolation and loneliness, which can affect an older adult’s health and quality of life, she says.
Where to get certified:
Each state and agency has their own training and qualification prerequisites for companion caregivers. And there are no official college degrees or course requirements you’ll need under your belt to become a companion caregiver.
“However, many agencies offer training for those looking to become caregivers,” says Brackett. “At the very least, you would need a high school degree and a driver’s license to help someone get around. Any experience related to caregiving, like nursing, is also welcome by agencies.”
Check out your individual state department of health, which might offer information related to training.
Cost:
Prices vary depending on the organization and location.
8. Training for specific conditions and needs
Do you have patients who have specific medical conditions or needs beyond activities of daily living? Taking continuing education classes in these areas can help you better provide for patients, as well as appeal to families struggling with the same needs.
Where to get certified:
Relias Academy is a great resource for this sort of training, and they offer a number of specialized courses to choose from, including a Dementia Care Certification.
Cost:
Courses start at $20. You can also get an all-access subscription, which offers access to over 1,500 courses for $249.
Education doesn’t have to be expensive — but make sure it’s legitimate
Getting a senior care certification, or undergoing training, doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. Your training can range from reading library books (check out ones on aging, health issues and providing care) to online classes, which are often more affordable than in-person classes and are provided at local recreation centers and colleges.
You can also join a caregiver alliance or support group to find inexpensive learning opportunities. The Family Caregiver Alliance provides resources for online and in-person support groups, where you can learn from peers’ experiences. The Caregiver Action Network (formerly the National Family Caregivers Association) is another source of support and discussion for care providers.
But before you choose any course or program, make sure it’s accredited and legitimate. Ensure the senior care certification is widely recognized by agencies and families. If you’re unsure about a certificate or program, you can always call a local senior care agency and ask if they know of it. You can also search for testimonials and reviews from previous students to see if they’ve had a positive experience with the program or school.
