What is a Caregiver?

A caregiver provides essential support to individuals who need assistance with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. They ensure clients maintain their independence and quality of life.

What does a Caregiver do?

Caregivers assist with a wide range of daily living tasks and personal care activities. Their duties typically include:

• Helping clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility. They ensure clients maintain proper hygiene and feel comfortable.
• Performing light housekeeping such as laundry, washing dishes, cleaning, and changing bed linens. Caregivers may also prepare meals and grocery shop to meet the client’s dietary needs
• Reminding clients to take prescribed medications on schedule and observing and recording any changes in the client’s condition. In-home health aide roles (which often require additional training), caregivers might check vital signs (pulse, temperature, respiration) and assist with simple exercises or range-of-motion activities. They report significant health changes to a nurse or supervisor.
• Assisting clients with moving around the house, transferring from bed to chair, and using mobility aids. Caregivers often arrange or provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, errands, and social activities. This helps clients stay engaged in their communities.
• Perhaps one of the most important aspects is keeping clients engaged and socially active. Caregivers provide conversation, encouragement, and a watchful presence to reduce loneliness and ensure safety. They might play games, go on walks, or simply spend quality time with the person.

What are the requirements to become a Caregiver in Tennessee?

To become a caregiver in Tennessee, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. While Tennessee does not mandate a state-issued license for non-medical caregivers, most employers and agencies have standard criteria to ensure caregivers are qualified and trustworthy:

• Age and Education: You should be an adult (usually 18 years or older) with at least a high school diploma or GED in most cases. Some senior care agencies may hire at 17 with special permission or for junior roles, but generally 18 is the minimum age due to the responsibility involved.
• Background Check: Expect to undergo a criminal background check and possibly a drug screening. Caring for vulnerable seniors or disabled individuals is a position of trust, so Tennessee employers will screen for any history that might pose a risk.
• Health Screening: Many agencies require a basic health screening, which can include a TB (tuberculosis) test and proof of immunizations. Good physical health is also important because caregiving can be physically demanding (e.g. helping clients transfer or pushing wheelchairs).
• Driver’s License: If the job involves driving clients to appointments or running errands, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record will be needed.
• Soft Skills and Character: Though not a formal “requirement,” having compassion, patience, and good communication skills is essential. Caregiving is interpersonal work – employers look for those who are trustworthy, empathetic, and reliable. You should be able to follow instructions (like a care plan) and pay attention to details regarding a client’s well-being.

Aside from these prerequisites, formal training is highly recommended and often required by employers, which we’ll discuss next. The good news is that you generally do not need a college degree or nursing license to start as an entry-level caregiver in Tennessee. A short training course and the right attitude can get your foot in the door of this field!

How to Become a Caregiver in Tennessee?

Becoming a caregiver in Tennessee involves a combination of meeting basic requirements, getting the proper training, and seeking employment opportunities. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you become a caregiver (sometimes called a home care aide or home health aide) in Tennessee:

1. Meet the State’s Basic Requirements

Ensure you qualify for caregiver roles by age and background. You should be 18+ years old (in most cases) and ideally have a high school diploma or GED. Be prepared to pass a background check and drug test, and obtain any required health screenings. Many employers also prefer that you have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, since caregiving can involve travel to clients’ homes. Checking these boxes will make you eligible to apply for training programs and jobs.

2. Enroll in a Caregiver Training Program

Next, find a caregiver training class to build your skills! Tennessee does not specify a set number of training hours for non-medical caregivers, but many agencies adhere to standard training guidelines. If you aim to work in a Medicare-certified home health agency, you might consider a Home Health Aide (HHA) program of 75 hours, since federal law requires 75 hours of training for HHAs in certified agencies.

3. Earn Relevant Certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR):

While Tennessee doesn’t issue a specific “caregiver license,” earning some certifications can boost your credentials. A fundamental one is Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification, which many employers require or strongly prefer. This certification (often obtained through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association in a one-day class) teaches you how to perform CPR and basic first aid – critical skills when caring for seniors.

Where to Find Caregiver Classes in Tennessee?

Tennessee offers various options for caregiver training, including community colleges, vocational schools, online providers, and home care agencies. One of the most convenient platforms to search for caregiver classes is Dreambound.

Dreambound is a free platform that helps students find career and technical training programs across the U.S. It offers over 70 programs in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, including caregiver training. You can search by location, format (online, in-person, hybrid), and budget. Many schools listed offer financial aid or payment plans. Dreambound is supported by schools that pay to list on the platform, so students can use it at no cost.

Dreambound simplifies the process of comparing caregiver classes in Tennessee—making it easier to find a program that fits your needs.