Becoming a caregiver can be an emotionally and financially rewarding career path, but it comes with many responsibilities. As a caregiver, you will be responsible for the safety and well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of society like seniors or people with disabilities or long-term illnesses. Both government and private organizations like Nova Home Care Indiana work to uphold high standards so that people receive the quality of care that they need. That’s why anyone looking to work in home care should know how to get a license first. With a license, clients will see that you are qualified and certified to take care of people, and you will have more and better-paid job opportunities to choose from.
How To Get A License In Home Care In Indiana
If you’re considering becoming a caregiver in Indiana, you can find plenty of support to help you qualify for this in-demand profession. The easiest way to become a licensed caregiver is to work with a home care agency that is already licensed by the state.
Medicare and Medicaid programs in most states work with licensed care agencies to train and provide qualified caregivers for people on benefits. In Indiana, the licensing authority is The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). The IDOH licenses agencies that provide:
- Personal care services, such as assistance with mobility, personal grooming, bathing, etc.
- Homemaker services, such as housekeeping, shopping, laundry, meal planning, and preparation
- Companion services, such as conversation, reading, games
- Transportation services, such as to medical appointments, social events, or errands
- Nursing or therapeutic services, including physical and occupational therapy
The IDOH also works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to inspect and monitor state-licensed home care agencies to ensure that they offer a high standard to citizens of Indiana and comply with state laws and federal regulations. Because of this relationship, established care agencies in Indiana that work with Medicare and Medicaid already have the standards to train a licensed caregiver baked into their hiring and onboarding process.
The bottom line is that if you want to get a license as a home care aide in Indiana, your best bet is to apply to work with a licensed home care agency. The agency will vet you and provide the necessary training, resources, and paperwork.
How Much Does Homecare Pay?
Because of the aging population in the US, there is an increased demand for caregivers, and this trend is likely to continue. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the employment of personal care aides will increase by 25% from 2021 to 2031. The bureau cites the increased awareness of the benefits of receiving in-home care instead of nursing homes as one factor behind the growth in caregiver demand.
This means that home care agencies can offer competitive salaries for people looking to train and work as caregivers. Caregiver remuneration varies by state, but salaries for caregivers in Indiana average just over $13 per hour, or $32,431 per year. By undergoing training, verification, and certification, new caregivers increase their earning potential and career opportunities.
Training And Benefits With Nova Home Care Indiana
Nova Home Care is actively looking for caregivers and welcomes applications from Indiana residents. We collaborate with the Indiana State Family Social Services Administration, the Indiana Division of Aging, and the Indiana Department of Health to provide caregivers with:
- A competitive salary
- Training
- Support and resources
- Job opportunities with new clients
- Health insurance
- 401K
- Paid vacation time
For further information about compensation and benefits, contact us online, check out our careers page, or apply today to start your caregiving career!