Care Squad Companion

Job Title/Position: Care Squad Companion 

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Companion is responsible for observing patients, reporting these observations, and documenting observations and care performed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities of the companion include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Providing hands-on care including:

1. Washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes and linens
2. Light housekeeping, dusting, taking out trash, and organizing
3. Washing dishes and cleaning up after meals
4. Purchasing food, household supplies, and essentials
5. Planning, cooking, and serving nutritious meals, including specialized diets
6. Running errands 

1. Using the telephone, e-mail, or internet to keep in touch with family and doctors
2. Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).
3. Assisting in ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care.
4. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).
5. Ensuring the home environment is safe and checking for fall hazards.
6. Reminding the client to take medications and organizing pillboxes.
7. Driving the client to appointments, social activities, or arranging for transportation services.
8. Encourage client participation in daily routines and recreational activities.
9. Organizing doctor appointments and managing a daily/weekly calendar.
10. Paying bills, budgeting, and managing banking.
11. Picking up prescriptions, going to the post office, or visiting the bank.
12. Adhering to the Organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
13. Observing changes in mood, appetite, or behavior and reporting them.
14. Provide companionship and emotional support to reduce isolation and improve well-being.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. At least 18 years of age.
2. Ability to speak, read and write English and follow written instructions and document care given.
3. Self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision.
4. Empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.
5. Demonstrates tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.
6. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with Organization requirements and is in good working order.

JOB LIMITATIONS

The companion will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the State's Nurse Practice Act.  Specifically, the companion will not administer medications, take physician's orders or perform procedures requiring the training, knowledge and skill of a nurse, such as sterile techniques.