Common terms and job titles for those who care for old people
There is no single correct answer to the question "What do you call someone who cares for old people?" The most suitable term depends on whether the person is a family member or a paid professional, and if they are a professional, their specific role and qualifications. A professional caregiver is typically trained and employed by an agency or facility, whereas an informal caregiver is usually an unpaid family member or friend.
Professional caregivers
These individuals have formal training and work in paid positions, either in a client's home or a residential facility. Their titles often reflect their level of medical expertise and the specific tasks they are qualified to perform.
- Personal Care Assistant (PCA): PCAs help with daily activities but generally do not provide medical care. They can assist with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and transportation. They may work for an agency or be hired privately.
- Home Health Aide (HHA): An HHA provides more medically focused care than a PCA, though both can assist with daily activities and household chores. Under federal law, HHAs must receive a minimum of 75 hours of training and can monitor a client's health, such as by checking vital signs.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This is a professional caregiver with a high level of medical training who works under the supervision of a registered nurse. CNAs perform personal care tasks and can also assist with basic medical procedures, such as taking vital signs.
- Geriatric Care Manager: Also known as an Elder Care or Aging Life Care Manager, this professional specializes in coordinating and managing senior care. They help families assess needs, develop care plans, and find suitable resources. Geriatric care managers are often trained as social workers or nurses.
- Care Provider / Care Worker: These are general and often interchangeable terms for paid professionals who offer care. A care worker is a preferred term for paid providers in some contexts.
Informal and family caregivers
These individuals provide unpaid support, typically to a loved one, out of a sense of duty or affection.
- Family Caregiver: This is a relative, such as a spouse, adult child, or sibling, who assumes caregiving responsibilities. They may manage medications, coordinate appointments, provide emotional support, and help with personal care.
- Informal Caregiver: A broad term for anyone who provides unpaid care to a family member, friend, or neighbor.
- Companion: This role emphasizes providing emotional support and social engagement, often with minimal or no hands-on personal care. A companion's primary goal is to reduce loneliness and isolation.
- Respite Care Provider: These caregivers offer temporary relief to a primary caregiver, allowing them to rest and attend to other matters. They can be paid professionals or volunteers.
Comparison of caregiver roles
The table below outlines the differences between key caregiving roles to help clarify who might be best suited for a particular situation.
| Role | Primary Responsibilities | Training/Certification | Payment | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Care Assistant (PCA) | Assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, meal prep) and household chores. | Training and certification requirements vary by state. | Paid (agency or private hire). | In-home, assisted living, adult daycare. |
| Home Health Aide (HHA) | Personal care, household tasks, and basic health services like checking vital signs. | Federal and state training standards (minimum 75 hours). | Paid (agency or private hire). | In-home care. |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Higher-level personal and medical care under nurse supervision, including administering medication and taking vitals. | Certified and trained (75-100 hours minimum). | Paid (facility employee). | Hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare. |
| Geriatric Care Manager | Comprehensive care plan assessment and coordination; acts as an advocate for the senior. | Specializes in geriatrics, often a nurse or social worker. | Paid (consultant). | Coordinates care across various settings. |
| Family Caregiver | Range of unpaid assistance, from personal care and finances to emotional support. | None, but may participate in training. | Unpaid (familial obligation). | At home or in family settings. |
Factors influencing the appropriate term
When seeking or discussing care for an older person, considering the specific context is crucial. The appropriate title can help ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the caregiver's responsibilities, qualifications, and the nature of the support provided.
- Level of medical care: A caregiver helping with errands and housekeeping is different from one trained to administer medication and monitor health conditions. The titles HHA or CNA indicate a higher level of medical skill than PCA or companion. For complex medical issues, a geriatrician—a medical doctor specializing in elder care—may be involved.
- Employment and compensation: For professionals, the hiring method—agency, facility, or private pay—often dictates the terminology. Family caregivers, who are unpaid, are recognized by different terms than paid providers.
- Setting of care: The environment also influences the correct title. A resident assistant might work in a senior living community, while a home care worker provides services in a client's home.
- Emotional versus physical support: Some roles, like companion or senior sitter, focus heavily on companionship and emotional support rather than hands-on personal care. A life enrichment specialist or recreation therapist might organize activities to promote mental stimulation.
Conclusion
The word you call someone who cares for old people depends on their role, qualifications, and employment. While "caregiver" is the most widely understood term, precision can be achieved with more specific titles like home health aide, personal care assistant, or family caregiver. By understanding these distinctions, families can make more informed decisions when navigating the complex and vital field of eldercare, ensuring their loved ones receive the appropriate level of support and respect.
Need more information about aging life care?
For more in-depth guidance on geriatric care management, explore the Aging Life Care Association website, which provides extensive resources on navigating the complexities of care for older adults.
