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Basics games
Welcome, caregiver! 👋
Whether you care for a parent, a neighbor or clients in their homes, these 10 things help you give safe, respectful care. They are also the first step toward a job in home care.
🪙 You earn LEARN It coins as you turn the pages.
Things 1 and 2
The care plan is your map
Every client has a care plan written by a nurse or care team. It says what tasks to do, how to do them, and what to watch for. If a task is not on the plan, ask before you do it.
✅ Try this: Ask to see the care plan and find one thing it tells you to watch for.Clean hands stop germs
Hand hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent infection. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when hands are not visibly dirty.
✅ Try this: Hum "Happy Birthday" twice while you scrub, including thumbs, nails and between fingers.The 10 Things 3 and 4
You are the eyes and ears
Caregivers see the client more than anyone. A new cough, a red spot on the skin, less eating or more confusion can be early signs of a problem. Report changes the same day.
✅ Try this: Write down one thing you notice today: what you saw, when, and who you told.Most falls can be prevented
Clear walkways, good lighting, non-skid shoes, grab bars and a steady routine lower the risk of falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults.
✅ Try this: Walk through one room and remove one trip hazard, like a loose rug or a cord.The 10 Things 5 and 6
Protect your back
Use your legs, not your back. Keep the person close, keep your feet apart, and turn with your feet instead of twisting. Use a gait belt or a second helper when the care plan calls for it.
✅ Try this: Practice standing with feet shoulder-width apart and bending at the knees.Dignity in every task
Knock before you enter. Explain what you will do. Close doors and cover the body during care. Let the person make every choice they can, like what to wear or when to bathe.
✅ Try this: Offer two choices during your next care task.The 10 Things 7 and 8
Know when to call 911
Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, a person who will not wake up, severe bleeding or a bad fall. For stroke, think F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to call 911.
✅ Try this: Post the client's address and emergency contacts by the phone.Water and food matter
Not drinking enough can cause dizziness, constipation and confusion, especially in older adults. Follow the diet in the care plan and note how much the person eats and drinks.
✅ Try this: Offer a drink each time you visit, unless the care plan limits fluids.The 10 Things 9 and 10
Caregivers need care too
Caregiving is hard work. Rest, breaks, support groups and respite care help you stay safe and kind. Asking for help is a strength.
✅ Try this: Write down one person or service you can call when you need a break.Tech keeps the care team close
Video visits, patient portals, home blood pressure cuffs and medication reminder apps help the care team see what is happening at home. Caregivers who can use them are in demand.
✅ Try this: Start Home Care & Digital Caregiving and earn your first badge.What Do You Know Now?
Answers on page 11. Play the full check and the Category Qwest board online.
Pass It On
- Pick the one thing that would help another caregiver the most.
- Show them how to do the "Try this" action.
- Post the client's address and emergency contacts by the phone together.
Train for a Home Care Job
Home Care & Digital Caregiving covers about 75 classroom-equivalent hours in 10 modules. Hands-on skills and competency checks are completed in person with an approved partner program.
- 🏡 The Home Care Role — Ethics, client rights, privacy and dignity
- 📝 Communication, Observation and Reporting — See it, say it, write it down
- 🧼 Infection Prevention and Home Safety — Clean hands, clean home, safe client
- 🌡️ Vital Signs and Changes to Report — Temperature, pulse, breathing and blood pressure
- 🛁 Personal Care — Hygiene, grooming, skin care and toileting
- 🦯 Safe Transfers, Mobility and Fall Prevention — Move people safely and protect your back
- 🍲 Nutrition, Hydration and Meal Support — Follow the diet, help with meals, watch intake
- 🚨 Emergencies and When to Call 911 — Recognize, respond, report
- 💜 Aging, Dementia, Disabilities and End-of-Life Care — Person-centered care at every stage
- 📲 Digital Caregiving — Telehealth, home monitoring, portals and medication reminders
Answer Key
- The nurse or care team
- At least 20 seconds
- Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to call 911
- Ease them to the floor and protect their head; do not try to catch them
- Dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness or new confusion
General education only. Always follow the care plan, your state's rules and your agency's policies. In an emergency, call 911.
10 modules. One connected caregiver.
Each eBook pairs with a video lesson in the Force for Health Academy. Hands-on skills and competency checks are completed in person with an approved partner program.
theforce.health/home-care-pathway · FFH Virtual Library