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QUESTION:

I am an out-of-work ex CNA, and have considered helping the elderly. Go to their home, and wash clothes, dishes, run errands, possible house work. My License has expired.  Do I need a new one, and where do I look for this type of job?
Without a License

ASK YOUR WORK ANSWERS:

To answer your question, After Fifty Living consulted with an experienced executive in the Home Care Management field whose experiences have included responsibilities on both the east and the west coasts of the US.  This is her answer.

A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is the highest designation and the best paying one within this field, as it requires the most education and training.  If at all possible, get your license renewed.  You spent a lot of time and money at one point earning your CNA - don't throw it away. 

The next alternative is that you get a HHA (Home Health Aide) certificate, which is one step down from the CNA.  It's less expensive, and takes less time than the CNA license, but still allows you to do some personal care, such as bathing your client.

If neither of these is an option for you, then you might consider becoming a Companion.  Companions can work within agencies, but they are paid even less than HHAs.  Companions can do housecleaning, laundry, shopping, meal preparation, etc., but are not allowed to do any personal care, such as patient bathing.

There are a number of agencies with whom you can work.  We're not sure what state you live in, but here are the names of just a handful of agencies: Home Instead; Peace of Mind; Visiting Angels; and Senior Bridge.  While you are making your calls, you may want to ask these agencies if they would provide financial assistance to you if you were to seek license renewal.  Some agencies will provide this financial assistance.  There are many, many other agencies that you could identify by doing a Google search, if you have access to a computer. 

Requirements vary by state, so check with your state licensing board.  Good luck! 

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