Caregiving for a family member on a resume??
I have a family member that has been a caregiver for her ill father for almost 5 years, but now she is trying to get back into the workforce because she hired someone else to help out. She would cook, clean, do laundry, help him around the house, and run errands because he has trouble getting around and cannot leave the house. My question is would her caregiving experience count as valid work experience on a resume even though it was for a family member? How similar is caregiving for a family member to working at an assisted living facility or a nursing home? She used to be a teacher so she is looking to be hired at one of the local public schools. Any insight would be really appreciated!
Any type of work experience is considered.
Of course it counts! I have it on mine, and I've been doing it for 7 years. In assisted living or a nursing home, you take care of more than one person--you still do laundry, serve meals, some housekeeping, assist with getting them dressed, bathe, and so on. Me, I'm looking to either add a job, or get out of caregiving altogether. The problem is, everybody assumes I want another caregiving job! I don't. I don't have the stamina, nor the physical capabilities that I used to, when I was younger. I want to be my own boss, in a writing capacity, to businesses that need better word advertising. I am a published (unpaid) author. Writing is where my heart lies. Tell your friend to go for a teaching job!
What a great question. I was a caregiver for my mother for three years but never thought to include that on a resume. I have mentioned it in a couple of interviews though.
Yes, Experience is experience and who would know better than one who lives or lived with the person they gave care to on a daily basis. You don't have to mention on your resume that they are family member. Wait the interviewer ask especially if they share the same last name. Don't volunteer information if it's not asked BUT always be honest if they do. That will show the interviewer your true character. Anyone can get a job but it takes character to keep it and elevate you in a position. Just Be U*****
Hi Ms. Danoff, HHA, or CNA is the same job description here. The only difference is that HHA and CNA's have gone to school and have challenged state and local boards to get their certification and can be employed by hospital or nursing homes. They are trained to a standard of care that they can be held accountable to.
Personally I think it is very valid. Jobcase has a volunteer section, or you could include it in other. Employers appreciate empathy and productivity. Explaining why you are out of the formal workforce with stories of productivity & empathy will be valued by some employers (not all, but you only need to find the one that works for you!).
just my 2 cents, look forward to what other Jobcasers think...
I was a caregiver for two parents. One was for four years and the other for 10. During that time, I took graduate classes about Pharmacology, Alzheimer's, Health and Public Policy. I served as an advocate on behalf of my parents -- whether this was at a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility. I did it as best I could, but death is a process that they couldn't escape, no matter how hard I tried. Still, the experience enriched me and makes me an advocate on behalf of the aging. It makes me knowledgeable about drugs given to the aging, helplessness and dependency, depression in the aging, fall risks and multiple legal / financial issues. I think that this knowledge and life-changing experience is worth something. it built my empathy and deepened my humanity. But how to argue this rich education and experience on a resume? I'm clueless!