A Care Aid assists residents with the activities of daily living, including personal, social, physical and recreational needs, including; assists residents with all aspects of activities of daily living including hygiene, bathing, washing, bowel/bladder care, dressing, caring for teeth, hair and cosmetic needs according to each individual’s care plan; lifts, transfers, porters and ambulates residents while maintaining comfort and good body alignment; ensures residents receive adequate nutrition according to individual care plans by feeding, distributing meal trays and nourishment, noting changes in appetites and food preference; observes and reports changes in a resident’s functional and cognitive behavior to the nurse on duty and participates in and encourages residents to participate in therapeutic, social and recreational activities.
Typically, Care Aids have attained a minimum of Grade 10 education plus graduation from a recognized Long Term Care Aide Program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
The skills they bring to the job include:
- ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- ability to deal with others effectively
- well organized
- can operate related equipment
- can carry out the physical ability to provide resident care.