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how to become a caregiver

A Career That Makes a Difference: How to Become a Caregiver in Senior Living

Welcome to The Kensington Falls Church, where your caregiving passion truly matters.

Whether you’re experienced as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide (HHA), or Personal Care Assistant (PCA), we offer a supportive environment where you can enhance your skills and grow professionally. 

Our community thrives on a strong foundation of care and respect, making it the perfect place for dedicated caregivers to advance their careers. 

Learn how to become a caregiver in senior living and see how you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.

Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.

What does a Care Partner (CNA, HHA, and PCA) do?

At Kensington Falls Church, our Care Partners—whether CNAs, HHAs, or PCAs—are the heart and hands of our community. 

These dedicated team members play an integral, hands-on role in our assisted living and memory care neighborhoods, ensuring that each resident receives personalized daily care.

Care Partner duties:

  • Use proper transfer techniques and equipment to help residents move in and out of beds and chairs.
  • Aid with bathing, grooming tasks such as brushing teeth and hair, and nail care.
  • Assist residents with choosing appropriate attire and help them dress or undress.
  • Serve meals in dining areas or residents’ rooms, monitor dietary intake, and assist with eating when needed.
  • Change linens, manage laundry, and keep residents’ living areas tidy and supplied.
  • Observe and report any changes in the residents’ physical or psychological condition to the medical team.
  • Engage residents in social activities within the community, encourage participation, and provide companionship.
  • Keep accurate records of care provided and participate in training and professional development opportunities.

Read: The Kensington Falls Church Direct Care Training program!

How to start your caregiving career in a senior living community

Starting a career in caregiving within a Virginia-based senior living community can be a rewarding and accessible entry point into the healthcare field. 

For many, roles such as Care Partners, which include CNAs, HHAs, and PCAs, provide essential hands-on experience that can lead to more specialized positions such as Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Caregiving roles are critical for the success of any senior living community, especially given the current high demand for compassionate and dedicated individuals in senior care. 

The barrier to entry is relatively low compared to other healthcare professions, making it an appealing option for those looking to make an immediate impact.

Required training and certificates to become a CNA in Virginia

  • Enroll in a state-approved nursing assistant training program. (Many programs require a high school diploma or GED, some do not.)
  • Candidates must be at least 16 years old to qualify.
  • A criminal background check is mandatory, and applicants must have no disqualifying convictions.
  • You must pass a health examination, including a TB test, and be fully capable of performing the physical tasks required without being on restricted or light duty.
  • Complete a minimum of 120 hours of training, including classroom lessons and hands-on clinical experience.
  • Must have the ability to work various shifts, including nights and weekends
  • Must possess strong communication skills and empathy

Other caregiving roles and their responsibilities (LPNs)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in senior living communities such as The Kensington Falls Church play a supervisory and hands-on role that extends beyond the responsibilities typically associated with Care Partners (CNAs). 

LPNs have more advanced medical responsibilities. They act under the direction of physicians and the Director of Nursing to ensure high standards of care.

Duties and responsibilities of LPNs include:

  • Supervise and coordinate the administration of medications
  • Ensure accuracy in dispensing and maintaining medication inventory
  • Provide hands-on care and assist in examining and treating residents
  • Manage everything from daily medical care to emergency responses
  • Maintain detailed resident records
  • Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
  • Communicate between residents, families, and other healthcare professionals
  • Ensure that care plans are executed effectively
  • Supervise other healthcare team members, such as Certified Care Partners
  • Ensure team members work cohesively and meet care standards

Apply to be a Caregiver: How to join The Kensington Falls Church

Starting your journey at The Kensington Falls Church is straightforward and impactful:

  1. Explore job listings to find a role that suits your caregiving passion.
  2. Apply for your chosen position directly through our website.
  3. Participate in a group interview, showcasing your teamwork and interpersonal skills.
  4. Successfully navigate through further interviews to discuss your potential impact.
  5. Complete necessary background checks and health screenings to ensure community safety.
  6. Join our team and begin making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.

Read: Secure a Senior Living Job with the Right Healthcare Resume

Benefits of caregiving at The Kensington Falls Church

At The Kensington Falls Church, joining our team means becoming part of a family dedicated to excellence and compassion.

Expect the following benefits:

  • Competitive salaries range from $18 to $20.50 per hour, with opportunities for overtime
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance starting at 32 hours per week
  • Generous paid time off to ensure work-life balance
  • Employee Assistance Program to support your well-being
  • Free meals and uniforms add convenience to your daily routine
  • Exceptional career growth and paid training opportunities to encourage professional development
  • Employee Referral Bonus rewards you for bringing great talent into our community.

Work with us at The Kensington Falls Church

Join The Kensington Falls Church, where we specialize in assisted living and memory care, supporting seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s

We need kind team members with strong interpersonal skills who can work effectively in a collaborative environment. Every role enriches the lives of our residents.

We offer competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere, and Our Promise is to treat all team members like family. 

Start your fulfilling caregiving career. Apply today with The Kensington Falls Church!

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