Caregiver job in Canada and how to apply
Caregiver jobs in Canada are still in demand. Being a caregiver in Canada comes with its benefits and it’s not surprising that thousands of immigrants are willing to work in Canada as a caregiver. As a caregiver, you are allowed to work in Canada permanently or temporarily.
In a world where we need one another to survive, caregivers have played an important role in the lives of young and old. Across the globe, everyone during a point in their lifetime has played the role of a caregiver.
The world will exist for a long time and thus caregivers will continue to play their role. In this article, we will be taking a look at caregiver jobs in Canada, how to apply, and everything you should understand about the job.
Caregiver Job in Canada
Who are Caregivers?
A caregiver is a person who tends to the needs or concerns of a person. Being a caregiver is more than helping someone with short- or long-term limitations due to illness, injury, or disability.
Helping anyone who needs your help at a particular point in time is also an attribute of a good caregiver. Across the globe, the Caregiver job has become popular with millions of people eager to stretch a helping hand.
Statistics in 2022 showed that more than half of women aged 15 and older (52%, or almost 8.4 million women) provided some form of care to children and care-dependent adults, whether paid or unpaid.
Women were much more likely than men (42%) to provide care regardless of whether they cared for children or adults. Many caregivers also live with their patients, depending on their needs and state of health.
So, what are the different types of caregivers and what do they entail?
Type Of Caregiver
Caregivers can be categorized into four categories. The main four types of caregivers are family, professional, assisted living, and hospice caregivers. It is important to understand the duty of all four caregivers as everyone tends to use all during their lifetime.
Having a good understanding of the four types of caregivers will help you navigate their roles, responsibilities, and relationships with the patient. We will review the types of caregivers to clarify things.
- Family Caregivers (Informal Caregivers)
Family caregivers are also known as informal caregivers. Family caregivers are typically not formally trained to help provide support. However, they are led into the role by obligation to their loved ones.
Canada is filled with family caregivers though some might not realize they are into caregiving. The main role of a family caregiver is to attend to daily living activities and other non-healthcare-related needs for family members.
- Professional Caregivers (Private-Duty Caregivers)
As the name describes, a professional caregiver is usually hired to help provide support for your loved ones. A professional caregiver will be given a specific task and this must be done with utmost respect and sincerity.
We have two types of professional caregivers; they are Agency caregivers and independent caregivers.
Agency caregivers work for businesses, providing the duties of a caregiver to those with a medical need while independent caregivers are not tied to a larger organization. You will need to hire these professionals directly to receive their services.
- Assisted Living and Nursing Home Caregivers
Assisted living and nursing home givers provide service to those who have some sort of independence and do not feel as if they are a burden to others. This type of caregiver is different from the other two listed above. Caregiver jobs in these facilities will be similar, but the environment in which they work is where you’ll find core differences.
- Hospice Caregivers
The last type of caregiver job on the list, Hospice caregivers provides specialized care for patients who are nearing the end of life. These patients require special needs and attention.
Caregivers providing care to those at the end of their lives may help to run errands, give medications, and simply do whatever they can to make sure the care recipient is comfortable.
According to Medicare, a patient is eligible for hospice care when they have six months or less to live.
How to apply for a caregiver job in Canada
1. Prepare your documents
The first step towards getting a caregiver job is preparing your documents to check if you are qualified for the role. As a caregiver, there are some certificates and skills you must possess. The documents needed include your resume, cover letter, birth certificates, and certifications.
2. Research For A Vacant Role
Having prepared your documents, the next line of action is doing a little research on any vacant role available. You should visit platforms that showcase vacant roles in the healthcare industry.
Various online platforms like Indeed, Linked In, and Jobbank are great places to search for opportunities.
3. Submit your application
The next step towards getting your dream caregiving job is to apply to your potential employer. Follow the instructions provided by the employer or job portal to submit your application.
This may include uploading your documents, filling out an online form, or sending an email with your application attachments.
4. Wait for feedback
Based on your employer or company, you will be urged to wait for some days before getting the result of the application. You should do some follow-up on your application while waiting for a response.
Express your interest in the position by making a polite email or a phone call.
Requirement needed to get a caregiver job in Canada
- 3 Years experience working as a nanny or caregiver
- A valid passport
- Home management experience may be required.
- College or other courses in-home support may be required.
- First aid certification may be required.
- Completion of a training program in the care of the elderly, care of persons with disabilities, convalescent care, or in a related field may be required.
- Professional certification is an added advantage.
Caregiver salary structure in Canada
Caregivers in Canada are well-paid. As a caregiver in Canada, you can expect a competitive salary that helps you run your day-to-day activities. According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a caregiver is $19.26 per hour in Canada.
Factors such as experience, qualifications, and the specific employer determine the salary of a caregiver in Canada.
Listed below is a list of the highest-paying cities for caregivers in Canada
- Vancouver, BC: $21.77 per hour
- Victoria, BC: $21.15 per hour
- Ottawa, ON: $20.60 per hour
- Hamilton, ON: $19.29 per hour
- Montréal, QC: $19.19 per hour
- Burlington, ON: $19.19 per hour
- Calgary, AB: $18.97 per hour
- Toronto, ON: $18.69 per hour
Ways You Can Become A Caregiver In Canada
Becoming a caregiver in Canada is easy, there are different opportunities and benefits of working as a caregiver in Canada. Canada offers two important visa routes for individuals interested in working as caregivers: Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot.
The Home Child Care Provider Pilot is a Canadian economic pilot program for foreign caregivers who work in the childcare sector. It provides them with the opportunity to become a permanent resident after 12 months of eligible work experience in Canada.
On the other hand, Home Support Worker Pilot is designed to bring Home Support Workers to Canada on temporary work permits, with the ability to apply for permanent residence after gaining enough work experience.
Frequently Asked Question
What Is The Age Limit for Caregivers in Canada?
There is normally no age limit for caregivers in Canada. However, it’s important to note that if you are under 16 years old, you will need your parent’s consent.
What are the qualifications needed to get a caregiver job in Canada?
The qualifications required for caregiver jobs in Canada depend on your employee. Formal education or certification are added advantages.
What are the skills Employers look for in a caregiver?
Employers often look for caregivers who possess skills in areas such as personal care, medication management, first aid, and communication.
Can I work temporarily as a caregiver?
Yes, you may be able to work temporarily as a caregiver.
Does getting a job as a caregiver guarantee permanent residency in Canada?
No, getting a job as a caregiver does not automatically guarantee that you’ll also become a permanent resident of Canada. It will allow you to gain work experience and useful skills to prepare you for your application.
What kinds of patients do caregivers in Canada usually handle?
In Canada, caregivers provide services to senior citizens, infants, young children, and persons with special needs. You can also work in nursing homes or shelters.
Conclusion
Caregiver jobs in Canada offer rewarding opportunities for individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. While there is no specific age limit for caregivers in Canada, there are certain restrictions apply to underage workers.
Canada has provided a good working condition for everyone including caregivers. The caregiver salary in Canada varies, with an average hourly rate of $19.26. Salaries are given out based on years of experience, skills, certifications, and so on.
Anyone seeking to get a caregiver job in Canada can visit online platforms to search for vacant posts. Fill out the application process and ensure all fields are filled correctly. Uploading of documents will follow suit, employee tends to host an interview for the potential caregiver.