Caregiver Certification

Melinda Sue

I’ve heard of folks getting caregiver certification in order to assist with a LO in a Memory Care Facility.  I would love to do this.  My LO was placed in Memory Care about a month ago.  I have to make an appt to see him and it’s only for a half hour a day 

Does anyone have any information about this? 

Thanks so much!  

loveskitties

You will probably want to check with the specific MC facility to find out do they allow such a thing and if so what type of certification do they require.

Jo C.

Gosh, that is really strict limitation - is that because of the pandemic?  I am so sorry, that has to be terribly difficult.

 "Certification" has many meanings and "Certifications" of all sorts is big business and can be costly depending on what program one chooses. Some of these are sadly meaingless for the purpose you would want.

I would ask the care facility DON and Admin., specifically what sort of "Certification" would grant you more access . . . . it may be surprising that only a "Certification" as a CNA is the answer; (Certified Nursing Assistant.)  That would require specific schooling for specific amount of time in a licensed setting approved by the state, and passing exams.

I remember one sweet lady, well into middle age, in a news report who took a job as a dish washer in a NH so she could be near her husband and have open access to being with him when not at work.  She did that job every day; it was very touching.  I do not now how sustainable that was for her as there was no followup news.

You are thinking of everything you can to be able to have more visitation;  I so hope that can be worked out.  It is very difficult to be so severely limited for visits.   May this soon change.  Let us know how you are; we care.

J.

MN Chickadee

What state are you in? Wondering if you might be talking about "essential caregiver." Many states are using this term during the pandemic. When a facility is on lockdown due to either high transmission rates in the general area, or have positive covid cases in the building, they restrict visitation and only allow "essential caregivers." This is the case in my state of Minnesota anyway. The term usually means one or two immediate family members/caregivers who are designated essential to the resident's care and well being, and they are still allowed in even during these lockdowns to provide care and companionship but have to follow rules. I had to go through a very brief training on sanitation and covid mitigation protocols at the facility and sign a document to be designated as an essential caregiver. The state departments of health often provides broad recommendations for long term care but each facility may have different rules and procedures. I would start with the social worker or someone approachable at the facility and see if there is anywhere to go with this.