Direct CareDirect Care 2Direct Care 3
What makes a good Direct Care Worker?

A good direct caregiver is a person who cares about others, wants to help people who need assistance due to a disability or health problem of some kind, has concern for others and wants to make a difference in the lives of others. Many times, a person who has cared for a friend or relative who is disabled or ill discovers the reward of providing support to others. Both men and women make excellent direct caregivers. The most important personal characteristics for direct caregivers are a respect for the dignity, value and uniqueness of each individual and a desire to help others live in the most independent and successful manner possible. Successful direct caregivers are:

  • Compassionate
  • Flexible
  • Good Listener
  • Open Minded
  • Caring
  • Respectful
  • Resourceful
  • Hard Working
  • Reliable
What is Direct Care?
Direct care is the backbone of the health care system. Direct care workers provide support, assistance, and care for persons who need help to achieve their goals, live as independently as possible and maintain their level of community involvement. Direct care is exactly what it sounds like -- it's the face-to-face hands on support and care that is tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. Nearly 95 percent of the hands-on care people receive in our healthcare system is provided by direct caregivers. Direct care is truly the heart and soul of health care.
Become a Direct Care Worker in HealthCare

Direct Care Workers help people with everyday tasks they would do for themselves if they were able - things like preparing meals, bathing and dressing, transportation, light housekeeping, laundry and shopping.

Direct Care Workers are also known as:

  • Home Health Aides
  • Nurse Aides
  • Personal Assistants
  • Hospice Workers
  • Respite Care Workers
  • Direct Support Professionals
  • State Tested Nursing Assistants
  • Community Support Workers
  • Dining Assistants
  • Rehabilitation Specialists

Click here to learn more about the various types of work people do in direct care.

Direct Care Workers assist a variety of people:

  • Aging Adults
  • People with physical disabilities
  • People with mental disabillities
 
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This site sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Long-Term Care Workforce Initiative, led by Cuyahoga Community College and the Center for Applied Gerontology.
For more information, contact directcarejobs@directcarejobs.info. © 2005