Seeking a dependable, compassionate caregiver to provide one-on-one companionship for my elderly mother during hospital stays. This is primarily an on-call, as-needed position intended to supplement hospital nursing staff by providing companionship, reassurance, observation, and communication with family.
Hospitalizations can significantly worsen her short-term memory and orientation, making continuous reassurance, redirection, and supervision important for both her comfort and safety.
The ideal caregiver has experience working with seniors experiencing memory impairment or confusion, and can respond on short notice when emergency hospitalizations occur.
Responsibilities
The caregiver's primary responsibilities include:
- Providing friendly conversation and companionship.
- Offering reassurance and emotional support during periods of confusion or anxiety.
- Frequently reminding my mother: where she is, why she is in the hospital, what is happening, and helping her remain calm and oriented.
- Remaining attentive to her safety, particularly because she is a fall risk.
- Immediately notifying hospital nursing staff whenever she attempts or needs to get out of bed for any reason.
- Remaining with her while waiting for hospital staff to assist.
- Contacting the designated family member whenever physicians, nurses, therapists, or other medical personnel arrive to discuss her condition, treatment, or care plan so the family member can participate in those discussions.
- Communicating significant changes or concerns to the designated family contact during the shift.
- Working cooperatively with hospital staff while recognizing that all medical care is provided by the hospital.
Scheduling
This is an on-call position consisting primarily of 8- to 12-hour shifts.
Most shifts will occur with little or no advance notice due to emergency hospital admissions. In these situations, the caregiver may be asked to meet my mother in the Emergency Department and remain with her throughout admission and transfer to an inpatient unit.
Occasionally, shifts can be scheduled in advance for planned surgeries or anticipated hospital stays.
When contacted, the caregiver is under no obligation to accept any particular shift. Shift offers may be accepted or declined based on availability.
The ideal candidate is willing to be contacted during agreed-upon availability periods, ideally with broad availability including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Compensation
- $40 per hour for shifts beginning immediately or with less than 24 hours' notice.
- $30 per hour for scheduled shifts with 24 hours or more advance notice.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience caring for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, delirium, or other cognitive impairment.
- Calm, patient, and compassionate demeanor.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Comfortable working in a hospital environment.
- Able to remain attentive for extended periods.
CNA, HHA, CPR, or First Aid certification is welcomed but is not required.
Hiring Process
Applicants selected for consideration will participate in:
- An interview.
- Reference checks.
- A review and signing of a written agreement outlining expectations, confidentiality, communication procedures, scheduling, compensation, and other terms and conditions.
The agreement will authorize the designated family representative to contact the caregiver during agreed-upon availability periods to determine whether the caregiver is available for a specific shift. Acceptance of any individual shift is always at the caregiver's discretion.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
