Career Guide is a series of occupational briefs which aims to provide information on hard to fill and highly-in-demand occupations identified during the 2006 National Manpower Summit and the 2007 National Human Resource Conference. The Career Guides contain such information as the nature of the job, its education and competency requirements, earnings, employment and job outlook.

Caregiver

A caregiver is a worker qualified to provide personal care independently or with minimal supervision to children, elderly or disabled persons at either client�s home or at an institution.

A caregiver is also a person responsible for the psychological & physical needs of an infant, child or adult.

Tasks

Bathe, dress infants and toddlers and put them to sleep and maintain children�s paraphernalia;
Foster the social, intellectual, physical and emotional development of children;
Provide assistance in the elderly�s care needs and that of people with disabilities;
Make up beds, perform laundry, cook meals and dishes according to recipes;
Maintain a healthy and safe environment;
Respond to emergencies and accidents.

Basic Educational and Training Requirements

At least a second year college education or two-year diploma course;
Completion of a training course on care giving.

Skills and Competencies

A Caregiver is expected to be equipped with the following knowledge and skills:

Use of materials� specification and its uses (bed pans and catheter, gauze pads, linens, bed sheets, towels, etc.);
Use of tools/equipment and instrument (wheelchair and other ambulatory equipment.);
Measurement and mathematics;
Hygiene, proper health care and infant care;
Work ethics;
Time and management;
First aid treatment;
Dietary requirements;
Values and interpersonal skills, self-esteem and process ageing.

Physical Attributes/Characteristics

Physically and Mentally healthy;
Good Moral character

Salary/Compensation

P10,000 -12,000 per month - local
$3,083 (P 157,233) to $4,333 (P 220,983) a month - overseas (USA & Canada)

Prospects for Career Advancement

To enter other health occupations is the next career move for a Caregiver. Caregivers generally need additional formal training and education on related health and medical sciences.

Experience as a Caregiver can also help individuals decide whether to pursue a career in other health-care fields.

Physical Attributes/Characteristics

Physically and Mentally healthy;
Good Moral character

Salary/Compensation

P10,000 -12,000 per month - local $3,083 (P 157,233) to $4,333 (P 220,983) a month - overseas (USA & Canada)

Prospects for Career Advancement

To enter other health occupations is the next career move for a Caregiver. Caregivers generally need additional formal training and education on related health and medical sciences.

Experience as a Caregiver can also help individuals decide whether to pursue a career in other health-care fields.

Employment Opportunities

Most Caregivers work abroad, in countries like Taiwan, Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Emerging host destinations which will accommodate Filipino Caregivers are the following: Albania, Australia, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, the Cayman Island, Cyprus, Hongkong, India, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Saipan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tajikistan, Tinian, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Training Course *

Duration - 6 months Cost - Ranges from P20,000 to P25,000

For those who have completed and passed the care giving course, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is providing assessment of caregivers� competencies.

* Based on 2007 rates