AZ Caregiver Requirements for In-Home Care Professionals

Whether you are looking to become an Arizona in-home caregiver or searching for Scottsdale home care solutions for your loved one, you might be wondering about the requirements. To serve in this in-demand role or find a capable companion for an aging family member, some requirements must be met in accordance with Arizona laws. 

When a caregiver fulfills these requirements, they can obtain their certification. Families can also have peace of mind in knowing that the caregiver assigned to their loved one will be properly vetted to perform in-home care tasks.

Here’s a look at the AZ caregiver requirements needed to provide this type of care:

Proper Age and Education Requirements

Certified caregivers in Arizona must be 18 years of age or older. They also must have a high school diploma, or in the absence of that, a GED. Completing an accredited program is a necessity to proceed with the other AZ caregiver requirements.

Completion of Training Program

If a caregiver is of the proper age and has a high school diploma or GED, they can then complete an Arizona DHS-approved training program. This equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality in-home care. 

Caregivers must go through at least 62 hours of instruction, which includes a total of 40 hours of training in the classroom, 16 hours of supervised skills training, and six hours of training for medication management. Many topics are covered through these programs, such as personal care and hygiene, meal preparation, nutrition, and safety, among many others. 

Pass the Written Competency Exam

Once the training program has been completed, a caregiver needs to take and pass a written competency exam. The test must be administered by an approved testing provider, and it assesses the knowledge of topics covered during training while also testing the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. Certification requires a minimum score of at least 75%. Anyone who doesn’t pass is permitted to retake it, though it comes with additional fees.

Get a Fingerprint Clearance Card

Becoming an Arizona caregiver requires obtaining a fingerprint clearance card. This card verifies that the caregiver has passed a background check and does not have a criminal history. When trusting someone to care for an elderly loved one, this requirement provides added peace of mind that they will be in good hands. 

Certification for CPR and First Aid 

Even though in-home caregivers aren’t nurses, they are still required to prepare for potential emergencies. This means they must know how to administer basic first aid and CPR. Caregivers will need to take a course for this certification through an approved provider. They learn vital skills, including performing CPR, using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and how to treat common injuries and illnesses. 

Additionally, there is also the requirement of staying on top of renewal for CPR and first aid certifications. Caregivers must renew them every two years, and failing to do so may mean they lose their caregiver certification status. 

Complete Tuberculosis Testing

The final requirement for caregivers in Arizona is that they must take a tuberculosis (TB) test that comes back with negative results. Since TB is contagious, this step is required to protect those who will be receiving in-home care. 

How to Choose the Right AZ Caregiver for At-Home Care

If you have a loved one who needs in-home care, the first step in choosing the right caregiver is making sure that they are trained and certified to provide the care needed. Going through a reputable agency that is licensed, accredited, and insured can help put your mind at ease.

You should also make sure that they are capable of providing the care your loved one needs. If your loved one has medical and health needs beyond medication reminders, they will need a home health care service. However, if they need help with everyday tasks such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, dressing, and grooming, at-home care is the right option.

Asking questions of the agency and getting a chance to meet the caregiver first are also ways you can find the best fit. If they are patient, happy to answer questions, and your loved one seems comfortable around them, then you can have full confidence in this in-home care professional.  As for those seeking a meaningful career, knowing the requirements that must be met gives you the checklist you need for pursuing your d