What is a certified caregiver?

The need for Certified Caregivers continues to increase with the aging baby boomer population. WisCaregiver Careers recognizes that need and offers a streamlined path for individuals to secure a certified direct care professional (CDCP) credential. Launched through the State of Wisconsin, this comprehensive program is ideal for everyone, from family caregivers to those who wish to pursue a meaningful career in caregiving.

This article explores what it means to hold a CDCP certification, the skills you’ll acquire, and the process to attain it.

Why we need certified caregivers in the health care industry

Many older adults and people with disabilities prefer to reside in their homes rather than a nursing home or group home, but they need assistance with daily activities. While some of these individuals live alone, others reside with family members. Relatives who serve as primary caregivers may also require assistance in caring for their loved ones.

Today, the home health care industry faces a crisis. In Wisconsin alone, approximately 20,000 additional caregivers are needed.

What you need to know about caregiver certification

With a CDCP certification, you’ll obtain the skills needed to care for older adults and individuals with disabilities in their homes. Some tasks performed by a CDCP include the following:

• Personal care grooming activities, such as bathing and dressing
• Food preparation and eating
• Light housework tasks, such as vacuuming, dusting, laundry, and dishwashing
• Light yardwork
• Errands such as grocery and other shopping
• Help with mobility issues and assisting with physical therapy exercises
• Companion care and accompanying the individual on outings

What does the curriculum for becoming a CDCP include?

You can complete the comprehensive online course for CDCP certification in approximately 30 hours. The curriculum sets you up for success as a certified caregiver and to advance your career in health care. The fundamental pillars of the course cover the following areas:

1. Care Settings: You’ll learn about the different types of care settings and the rules and reporting requirements around each of them, particularly involving misconduct and abuse,
2. Communication: The communication section covers verbal and nonverbal communication. It also focuses on listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and adjusting to different disabilities.
3. Professionalism and Ethics: Providing compassionate care while remaining professional is imperative.
4. Crisis Prevention: You’ll learn to recognize potential problems and implement ways to eliminate hazards and prevent serious situations.
5. Safety: The course will thoroughly educate you on fire safety and basic first aid, such as preventing choking and infections.
6. Integrity and Respect: This CDCP course uses Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a starting point to demonstrate beyond the basic needs that every individual needs integrity and respect to thrive as a human being.
7. Legal Components: It’s essential to know the legal jargon as it applies to those with the power to make decisions. It also reviews the personal rights and responsibilities of the individual receiving care and reviews the difference between sexual misconduct and consensual activity in adult facilities.
8. Health and Wellness: You’ll learn the skills to provide personal and companion care for older adults and people with a disability.

Benefits of becoming a certified caregiver

In addition to the pride you’ll feel when you complete the CDCP certification course, you’ll gain the foundation of a rewarding career path in helping others. Some specific benefits include the following:

• Free online training and certification testing
• A $500 bonus when hired by a participating employer
• Inclusion in the Wisconsin Certified Direct Care
• Professional Registry
• Connections to employers statewide
• Flexible shifts resulting in work/life balance
• Higher earning potential
• Opportunities for career development in positions such as CAN, LPN, and RN

The path to becoming a certified caregiver

The certified direct care professional (CDCP) training does not have an age requirement. The online coursework is well suited to high school students, and is now being offered by school districts across Wisconsin as part of their health sciences curriculum. Once students gain their CDCP credentials, they may encounter age restrictions with certain job positions depending on the program. Employers must be aware of all employment rules for minors.

Once students of any age receive CDPC certification, they must complete continuing education requirements every three years to maintain it.

Choosing WisCaregiver Careers CDCP

At WisCaregiver Careers, we applaud your decision to seek a career that serves others and gives back to the community. As a trusted agency in caregiver training and in keeping with our commitment to compassionate and capable caregiving, we are here to support you every step in completing your CDPC program. We will also provide ongoing job search and career development support through WisCaregiver Connections.

Please contact us here to learn more about our CDPC certification program. We would love to discuss your future career plans with you and answer any questions.