Key Points

• What is a Caregiver? A caregiver is a professional who provides hands-on, non-medical assistance with daily living activities to clients who are elderly, ill, or disabled.
• How to become a Caregiver in Tennessee? To become a caregiver in Tennessee, you must be at least 18, pass a criminal background check, and complete training. Training for non-medical roles is determined by the employing agency, while Home Health Aide (HHA) roles require a 75-hour federal training program.
• Can family members get paid? Yes. Tennessee's Freedom for Family Caregiving Act allows provider agencies to hire and pay qualified family members under programs like TennCare CHOICES.
• Average Caregiver salary in Tennessee: The median salary for Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Tennessee is approximately $32,210 per year.
• Number of Caregivers in Tennessee: As of May 2024, there were approximately 65,000 Home Health and Personal Care Aides employed in Tennessee.

What is a Caregiver?

A caregiver, also known as a Personal Care Aide, is a dedicated professional who provides crucial non-medical support to individuals in need, allowing them to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. They work with the elderly, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness.

The duties of a caregiver are focused on helping clients with activities of daily living (ADLs). Common tasks include:

• Assisting with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Providing help with mobility, including transferring and walking.
• Preparing meals and assisting with feeding if necessary.
• Performing light housekeeping tasks and running errands.
• Offering companionship and engaging in conversation.
• Reminding clients to take their medications.

How to Become a Paid Caregiver in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide outlines the complete process for starting your career as a professional caregiver in Tennessee. The primary path involves meeting foundational requirements, completing the appropriate training for your desired role, and applying for jobs with licensed home care agencies.

Step 1: Confirm Your Role and Eligibility

First, decide which type of caregiver role you want to pursue, as training requirements differ. A non-medical Personal Care Aide focuses on companionship and daily living activities, while a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) has more advanced training. You must typically be at least 18 years old to be hired by an agency.

Step 2: Get the Right Training

While Tennessee does not have a single statewide training requirement for non-medical caregivers, professional agencies require it for employment. You have two main paths:

• Personal Care Aide Training: Complete an agency-specific training program. The hours and curriculum are set by the employer. Many agencies provide this training to new hires.
• Home Health Aide (HHA) Training: To work for a Medicare/Medicaid-certified agency, you must complete a 75-hour federal training program. This includes at least 16 hours of supervised practical training and opens up more job opportunities.

Step 3: Complete Health and Competency Checks

Agencies require health screenings to ensure client safety. This typically includes a tuberculosis (TB) test and proof of immunizations. While not always mandatory for non-medical roles, earning a CPR and First Aid certification makes you a much stronger candidate.

Step 4: Pass a Mandatory Background Check

Under Tennessee law, all applicants for direct-care jobs must undergo a criminal background check. This requires you to provide fingerprints for state (TBI) and federal (FBI) record checks, often processed through a service like IdentoGO.

Step 5: Apply to Licensed Home Care Agencies

With your training and documentation ready, start applying for jobs. Search for "Caregiver" or "Personal Care Aide" on job boards like MyNextMove.org. or apply directly to licensed home care agencies in your city. Ensure any agency you apply to is properly licensed by the state.

Step 6: Complete Onboarding and Start Work

Once you receive a conditional offer, you will complete the agency's orientation and competency verification process. After clearing your background check and all other requirements, you can begin working with clients. To remain employed, you must complete any required annual continuing education.