Ohio’s Department of Aging reports that over 2.6 million residents are aged 60 or older, many requiring daily care and assistance. Additionally, Medicaid-funded home care programs in Ohio serve over 100,000 individuals annually, proving the urgent need for qualified caregivers. Whether you're entering healthcare for the first time or looking for a meaningful career change, this guide will walk you through the training, certification, salary expectations, and job opportunities available for caregivers in Ohio.
Key Points
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A caregiver is someone who offers assistance and support to people who may have difficulty taking care of themselves due to age, illness, or disability. Caregivers can work in a range of settings, including private homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals. Typical responsibilities include:
Caregivers in Ohio work in diverse environments, including:
Private Homes: Providing one-on-one personalized care.
Assisted Living Facilities: Assisting residents with daily activities.
Nursing Homes: Offering long-term care for elderly individuals.
Hospitals: Supporting patients recovering from surgeries or illnesses.
Home Health Agencies: Employed by agencies to assist multiple clients.
To become a caregiver in Ohio, there are specific education and legal requirements that you need to fulfill. These requirements include:
High School Diploma or GED: Most employers require caregivers to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Caregiver Training Program: Completing a caregiver training program is often required to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care. These programs cover topics such as personal care, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid.
Background Check: Caregivers in Ohio are required to undergo a background check to ensure the safety of the individuals they will be caring for. This includes a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
State Certification: Depending on the type of caregiving you plan to pursue, you may need to obtain specific certifications or licenses. For example, if you want to work as a nurse aide, you must pass the state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
Ohio requires caregivers to complete 40 to 75 hours of training, covering personal care skills, safety procedures, and emergency response. Some home health agencies provide free training for employees.
Caregivers must undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting to ensure they meet state safety standards.
While Ohio does not mandate a caregiver license, many employers prefer caregivers to have CPR, First Aid, or specialized dementia care training.
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Certified caregivers can find jobs through home healthcare agencies, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and private clients.
Many institutions offer caregiver training in Tennessee, including:
Earning your caregiver certification is just the beginning. As you gain experience, you can explore a wide range of opportunities:
In Ohio, Home Health and Personal Care Aides, including caregivers, typically earn around $30,320 per year. Actual pay can vary based on factors like location, employer, and experience level.
Yes! Ohio offers Medicaid Waiver Programs, such as PASSPORT and Ohio Home Care Waiver, allowing eligible family members to be paid caregivers.
Becoming a caregiver can be an incredibly fulfilling career choice. After obtaining the right training and certification, you’ll be qualified to provide essential services to those who need them most. From there, the sky’s the limit—whether you choose to work as a home health aide, CNA, or specialize in a particular area, there are countless opportunities to grow and make a difference.
Looking to learn more about different career paths? Check out these articles:
Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.