Caregivers : Special Breed of Health Workers

Introduction
The Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence defines caregiver as the
person who has responsibility for meeting the physical and psychological
needs of an infant, child or dependent adult. The term generally refers to
anyone who provides assistance to someone else who is in some degree
incapacitated and needs help.

Still, another definition is that a caregiver is a person who provides, without

supervision, in a private household in which the person resides, child care,
senior home support care or care of the disabled.

The label caregiver is known by many other names in developed countries.

As defined in the international Nanny Association's fact sheet, related terms
include:

• Au pair - refers to foreigners who live with American families for up to

a year, living as part of the host family and receives a small
allowance/salary. They help with household work, providing child or
elderly care even without prior experience.
• Babysitter - provides supervisory custodial care for children on an
irregular, full or part-time basis.
• Governess - usually qualified teachers for full or part-time at-home
education of children and are not responsible for physical aspects of
childcare.
• Mother's Helper - works for the family to provide full-time childcare
and other domestic help with one parent at home most of the time.
• Nanny - employed by families to provide unsupervised full-time
childcare on either live-in or live-out basis.
• Nursery nurse - term used in the United Kingdom for a person who
has received special training and preparation in caring for young
children and has passed certification exams given by the National
Nursery Examination Board.

Demand Situation

It is foreseen that the demand for caregiving services would continue to rise
in the next 4 years. Demand prospect are expected not only in the traditional
markets of USA and Canada but also in other developed and rich countries of
Europe and even Asian economies Japan and Korea. This is in view of their
increasing need for caregivers on account of their large aging population.

POEA data would show that the bulk of job orders for caregivers of licensed
placement and recruitment agencies are in Israel, Bahrain and the United
States. Market for caregivers is also growing in Spain and Saudi Arabia as
reported out in major dailies.

Caregiving is a huge industry especially in the US. In a 1997 nationwide

research, It was found out that total amount spent on formal caregiving
provision reached US$115 billion.

The Japan market, though still close at the moment, is seen as a potential
market for caregiving because of the increasing trend fo graying population.
This is further boistered when in her recent visit to Japan, President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi agreed to enter into
an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that will boister economic
cooperation between the two countries. The agreement will encompass not
just trade, but will also cover the mutual recognition of professions and skills,
human resource development and technology transfers. It will facilitate the
access of our healthcare and information technology professionals in the
Japanese market.

Provision of healthcare in the domestic market is also expected to rise with

the government promoting the so-called "medical check-up tourism" in our
renowned medical centers. The Philippines is considered as an ideal site to
provide healthcare services and to serve as retirement haven in view of lower
medical costs and presence of advanced medical facilities. Caregiver facilities
are also planned to be set up in conjunction with the economic zones so that
expatriate communities can be developed in tandem with investment
ventures in nursing care in those areas.

Supply Situation

With the emergence of the Philippines as a major source for care workers in
hospitals, hospices and old-age homes in developed countries, current
demand exceeds the supply. This is validated by the consistent job
advertisements for caregivers in major newspaper dailies. It is but natural
that numerous schools and training centers offering caregiving courses
sprung up in the country. Of the almost 150 caregiver institutions
nationwide, whose programs are registered with TESDA, 49 can be found in
the National Capital Region. A greater number of caregiver institutions can
also be found in Regions III, IV, I, CAR and XI.

However, fly-by-night training centers for caregivers is causing problems and

are posing unfair competition to the legitimate ones. Being bogus training
centers, graduates from these unauthorized centers would be lacking in
proper training and knowledge to work in hospitals, hospices, retirement and
nursery homes. Thus, TESDA is closely monitoring the various training
centers in order to curb out the apparent proliferation of unauthorized
training centers.

Caregiver Requirements

The Canadian market which is the most publicized destination for Filipino
caregivers had listed the following qualifications for a prospective caregiver:

• Course of study equivalent to the completion of Canadian secondary

education (At least second year of college education in the Philippines);
• Six to twelve months of training and/or experience which directly
relates to the duties of the offer of employment;
• The ability to read, write and speak English or French;
• The ability to work independently, without supervision; and
• Completion of one year of related full-time paid employment, including
at least six months of continuous employment with one employer,
within the three years immediately prior to the application for
employment authorization.

Being a foreign worker, Filipino caregivers just like any other applicant for
working visa would be assessed by Canadian authorities based on the
following factors:

• The employment of foreign worker will not adversely affect

employment and career opportunities for Canadians;
• It will maintain or increase employment and training opportunities for
the Canadian workforce;
• That the wages and working conditions offered are sufficient to attract
and retain Canadians; and
• Has been confirmed as a bona fide job offer and is not designed to be
inaccessible to Canadians.

Outline of Caregiver Course

The Caregiver course covers several topics that will provide the trainees the
opportunity to learn and experience the various skills and working knowledge
vital in the performance of a job of a caregiver. The course modules
specifically for Canada, generally focus on the following:

• Overview of the Live-In Caregiver Program of Canada

• Introduction to the Live-In Caregiver Skills Enhancement Program
 • Basic First Aid
• Basic Life Support
• CPR
• Home and Client Safely Management
• Home Management and Client Care
• Nutrition and Food Preparation
• Care of the Child
• Care of the Elderly
• Canada: People, Culture, Traits
• English as Second Language
• Personality Development
• On-the-Job Training in Caregiving Institutions

Some of the training centers also offers job search and placement services
for their graduates. Others had established direct links with embassies of
target host governments for caregivers in order to ensure high employment
rate of their graduates.

The Role of TESDA

In order to ensure quality training, TESDA must judiciously perform its role of
standard setting, registration of programs, assessment and certification, as
well as the conduct of monitoring and continuous evaluation. TESDA through
its offices nationwide must stay vigilant to ensure that no caregiving training
programs without appropriate registration are operating within their areas of
jurisdiction. Through these efforts, the public would be protected from
unscrupulous and fly-by-night training centers.

LMRI ARCHIVE

WHY STUDY ABROAD?

In the present age, no person can afford to deny that the demand for
people, who are globally mobile, has become a norm. This is mainly
because people have to deal with challenges that are not necessarily
restricted by geographical boundaries. This has resulted in multiplying
career choices at internationally recognized universities. Besides this,
there are a host of reasons why one should experience foreign study.

• Study Abroad can be an enriching and eye-opening

adventure, where learning extends to the world beyond the
classroom walls. There is no substitute for living and studying
in a foreign country if one wants to develop important
transnational competencies that can be of great interest for
future employment as it promotes academic enrichment and
personal growth.
• .In order to make studying abroad more meaningful, it
is important to consider the purpose very carefully, as it may
be to obtain a degree, study for credits, or study a language
and culture. Many universities now have exchange student
programs and short-term study abroad programs making it a
much easier experience.

• Foreign universities offer a much wider range of subjects

to study than the traditional ones available in India. Even for
the similar courses offered, the contents, concepts, and views
covered and the values they are based upon may be different.
At times, studying these in a foreign language is different and
worthwhile.

• Students studying abroad get a cross-cultural

experience. They understand the nitty-gritty of another society
and learn how it operates, which is a valuable commodity in
today's global society.

• As the world gets smaller and decision-making gets

faster, students with an international perspective will be first in
line to become leaders. They will already have the self-
confidence and ability to deal with unpredictable situations, plus
a personal acquaintance with foreign cultures.

• Students who study abroad tend to be risk takers,

willing to put themselves in unusual situations and able to
welcome the fear of the unknown. They get used to solving
problems under tough circumstances and by the time they
complete their studies, little fazes them. Employers know that
this is a kind of employee who can be sent abroad to work with
team members from other international offices.

• Living Abroad itself can be a great experience, as one

has to be totally on his own. Life can be quite challenging and
interesting as one may live with a family or friends, in a dorm
or an apartment. The hardships encountered make you better
educated and trained.
 • They also gain a greater understanding and appreciation
of themselves as a product of their own culture by virtue of
being exposed to differences. They gain a greater sense of
social, political, cultural and economic interconnectedness of
peoples, nations and cultures.
• They are more sensitive to what is happening outside
their borders as well as to people on the campuses. This is a
great asset, both academically and psychologically.
• Travel encourages students to be confident and flexible.
Thrown in with new people and circumstances, students return
with the ability to appreciate and welcome challenges. Although
seldom an easy experience, it can often be even life
transforming.
• An overseas study experience can broaden your
intellectual horizons and deepen your knowledge and
understanding of international, political and economic issues. It
is almost certain that you will return from your sojourn abroad
with a more informed and accurate perspective on world affairs.

After considering these potential benefits, you must ask

yourself why you want to study abroad. Take some time
to think about your reasons, for surely they will become
your goals and your personal measures for success.
Although adjusting to a new life and learning in a foreign
environment will have its stressful moments, the more
you focus on your goals, the more will be the enjoyment
and benefits from the experience !

WHY STUDY IN UK?

UK qualifications are recognized and respected throughout the world. Your UK

qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career
and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools will provide a
vibrant, creative and challenging environment in which to develop your potential.
Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. Universities,
colleges and schools continually have to prove that their courses meet strict criteria.
Many other countries are now trying to follow the example of the UK.

In an increasingly globalize world economy, people need special skills and qualities to
succeed. Employers want employees who can think effectively, creatively and for
themselves. This is an essential part of the UK learning experience. Institutions use a
variety of teaching and assessment methods to encourage independence, as well as
mastery of the subject. You will get the skills you'll need for the global market.

At degree and postgraduate level in particular, students are encouraged to read

widely, to question and analyze what they have read, and to discuss openly their
own ideas in seminars and tutorials. Career based courses are designed to equip you
for specific roles in the modern world of work.

About Universities in U.K.

Higher Education institutions are the centers of high-level teaching and research
activity, and most courses at this level lead to a degree or equivalent qualification.
The degrees and postgraduate qualifications offered by these institutions are among
the most prestigious academic qualifications available. HE institutions include
universities, HE colleges and institutes. The first universities were founded some
eight hundred years ago, so HE institutions in the UK draw upon an exceptional
depth of educational experience.

About the Academic Programs offered.

There are two main types of taught postgraduate course: Master's programs, which
normally consist of classes and seminars plus a dissertation; and diploma or
certificate courses, which consist of classes and seminars (sometimes the same
taught elements as a Master's course), but with no dissertation. Some diploma
courses enable you to transfer to a Master's when you have successfully completed
them.

A research degree is the ultimate opportunity if you want to pursue your own
specialist interests. You'll be expected to initiate and develop your topic under the
supervision of one or possibly two academics. To be successful, you will need to
demonstrate intellectual independence.

Business studies are increasingly popular with students from all countries and the
MBA (Master of Business Administration) is the most popular business qualification.
MBA programs are designed to develop management skills, knowledge, the ability to
analyze complex problems and the ability to make strategic decisions. There are
literally hundreds of MBA programs to choose from in the UK, from those that teach
principles of general management to highly specialized programs tailored to careers
like agribusiness, banking and finance, construction, oil and gas, health care,
hospitality, transport, and technology. Many have links to relevant industries to
ensure their direct relevance to the working world.

Usually institutions in the UK have their own individual requirements. There are no
universal guidelines to assess whether a student's qualification will admit him/her to
a particular course.

Postgraduate courses, which follow at the completion of a Bachelor's degree, are

available at Universities, Polytechnics, and the Royal Colleges of Art and at the
Cranfield Institute of Technology.

No specific qualification automatically secures a place for a postgraduate study

program. Every applicant's suitability for admission is considered individually. Indian
master’s degree is normally the minimum requirement but further qualification or
relevant experience may also be necessary.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS FOR BRISTISH EMBASSY INTERVIEW

1. What can you tell me about the course that you are going to take up at the HealthCAre
Training Academy?
 - I will be taking up a 2-year course entitled NVQ 2 and 3 in Health and
Social care(Adults), BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies, and
Business Administration and Information Technology. This course will
provide me with the highest standards of training techniques that will help
me attain the knowledge and qualifications associated with the healthcare
industry.
1.a When does the course start?
- June 13, 2006
1.b How many hours per week will you attend classes?
- at least 15 hours per week
1.c What subjects will you study?
- induction to and foundation in Care
- Foundation in food hygiene
- Foundation in health and safety
- Manual and people handling
- Emergency first aids and awareness for appointed person
- Fire procedures and prevention
- Infection control
- Safe handling of medicines
- Clinical procedures
- Pressure sore prevention
- Elderly abuse/POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adullts)
- Challenging behavior
- Dementia awareness
- Nutrition for the elderly
- Continence care
- Supporting death and bereavement
1.d How will you be assessed during the course?
- I will be assigned an assessor who will visit me in my workplace on the
days I am not receiving tuition at the academy. I will be introduced to the
assessor on my first day at HTA.
- He will observe my work and discuss with me the knowledge and
understanding of why tasks are undertaken in particular ways. He will be
“collecting evidences” of my competence through direct observations, oral
and written questioning, and observing a product or outcome of task,
through written testimony, witness statement of by keeping my own
records.
1.e What qualification will you get at the end of the course?
- National Vocational qualification level 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care
(Adults) and BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies

1.f How will studying in England be different from studying in your own country?
- I have always associated England with having the best universities and
educational system. UK qualifications are recognized and respected
throughout the world. I believe that my UK qualification will be a solid
 foundation in building my future and boosting my career in the Healthcare
Industry.
- Even if they offer similar courses here in the Philippines, training in the
UK will offer the much wider range of subjects and the contents, concerns,
and views covered will be different.
- I have always associated England with having the best universities and
educational system. UK qualifications are recognized and respected
throughout the world. I am also proud to say that the Philippines have a
very good educational system but when it comes to the healthcare training,
I believe that we are not yet globally competitive. The training courses
offered here are not sufficient and the training offered is inadequate
merely because we do not have that many Nursing homes in the
Philippines. Whatever nursing homes we have, most of it have deplorable
facilities. So I believe that my UK qualification will be a solid foundation
in building my future and boosting my career in the Healthcare Industry.
1.g What facilities are there at HTA that you can use?
- Health Care Bank Club facility
• Receive club news through “The Careworker”
• Accommodation assistance, where you get help in looking
for suitable living quarters.
• Travel Arrangements, not just getting into the UK but also
to/from work. (Carebus operatons)
- They have a library where we can read relevant books and magazines
regarding the healthcare industry.
- They also have an Internet Café on site where we can email back home.
- They have a Café/Bistro for student meals and breaks.
1.h When will the course end?
- 2008
1.i Who is going to pay the tuition fees?
- My parents, who happens to be my sponsors, will be paying for the tuition
fees in the meantime because my personal money is tied up with my
pawnshop business.
1.j Why have you chosen the HTA?
- Firstly, I chose HTA because upon searching the web, they are the only
training center I found to have an agent here in the Philippines.
- Secondly, I read in their website that they are a private funded family
concern. I assumed that I will be in an academy with a close knit family
atmosphere and my agency confirmed my assumption.
- Lastly, and my most deciding factor, is their Sandwich Course. It will
allow us students to work a standard working week, earning the normal
wage for the position, in an establishment approved by them, (Residential
or Nursing Care Home) as a continuation of the full course study
programme. There is a minimum requirement for 15 hours each week,
study under this course status. (On-the-Job training)
1.kWhere is HTA?
 - it is located at Units A and D Tenbury Business Park, Bromyard Road,
Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire UK WR15 8FA.
- Tenbury Wells is a small ancient market town located in the very north
west of Worcestershire. It is about 35 miles south west of England’s
second major city, Birmingham and 25 miles from the border between
England and Wales. The area is a largely unspoilt farming country.
- Tenbury Wells is renowned for its hop, fruit, holly and mistletoe, and the
town itself has been known as “the Town in the Orchard”
- The town became Tenbury Wells to promote the Mineral water wells they
have discovered in the 1840’s.
1.l How did you hear about the HTA?
- I heard about healthcare training from a friend then I searched the web and
found HTA.

2. What are you going to do when you complete the course?

- If I find that I have gained the sufficient knowledge, training and
experience, I would like to come back here in the Philippines to put up a
Caregiver training center and a small private nursing home where my
parents could stay and enjoy.
2.1 What are your career plans?
- After getting the sufficient education in the UK, I plan to come back to the
Philippines to apply what I have learned. I will still continue with my
pawnshop business but I will diversify and put up a caregiver training
center. I would like to take advantage of the demand in the caregiving
services that TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority) has said will rise in the next 4 years. I would not immediately
put up a nursing home because my parents are not yet ready to be in one.
2.2 How will study in England help your career?
- It will help me attract students for the training center I will put up. I
would like to be the first training center in our region educated in the UK
who could bring to them a new curriculum and training because most of
the training centers here in the Philippines are Canada-based curriculum.
2.3 If you hope to go to a British University eventually, what subject will you
want to study?
- If given the opportunity to go to a British University, I would like to take
up a course either in business, jewelries, or further studies in healthcare.
2.4 Have you decided which University you are going to apply to?
- I have not decided yet. If given the opportunity, I would like to look for
one when I can go there.

3. When you have completed your studies do you intend to return to your own country?
- Yes I do intend to return.
3.1 What are you going to do when you return to your own country?
- I will still continue with my pawnshop business but I will diversify and
put up a caregiver training center. I would like to take advantage of the
demand in the caregiving services that TESDA (Technical Education and
 Skills Development Authority) has said will rise in the next 4 years. I
would not immediately put up a nursing home because my parents are not
yet ready to be in one.
3.2 Will you be joining a family business? What do you know about the business?
- Yes. I will continue with our pawnshop business. I have been managing
it since 2001.
3.3 Do you know of anyone who has retuned from the UK and found a job?
- No but I know of people from our city currently studying there.

4. How are you going to finance your studies and your stay in the UK?
- In the meantime my parents are going to finance my studies because my
savings is tied up in our pawnshop business because it is capital intensive.
I would look for a part time work during my studies to help compensate in
my expenses.