Caregiver Duties & Responsibilities: Complete 2026 Checklist for PCA, HHA & CNA Roles

Caregivers play a vital role in supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or surgery. Whether you are applying as a PCA, HHA, CNA, or live-in caregiver, understanding caregiver duties and responsibilities helps you prepare for the job and succeed in interviews. This guide provides a complete list of caregiver responsibilities in 2025, along with examples and employer expectations.

Caregiver Career GuidesLast updated on 15 Dec 2025

Personal Care Duties (ADLs)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) form the foundation of caregiving. These are essential tasks that help clients maintain dignity, independence, and hygiene.

1. Bathing & Showering Assistance

Caregivers help clients:

  • Enter and exit the shower safely

  • Wash and dry properly

  • Maintain skin hygiene

  • Follow safety protocols to prevent slips

2. Dressing & Grooming

Assist with:

  • Selecting clothing

  • Fastening buttons/zippers

  • Brushing hair or teeth

  • Shaving or skincare

3. Toileting & Incontinence Care

Caregivers support clients with:

  • Safe bathroom transfers

  • Cleaning and hygiene

  • Changing adult briefs

  • Monitoring changes

These tasks are essential for roles in:
https://carehireusa.com/job-category/home-health-aide-hha-jobs
https://carehireusa.com/job-category/certified-nursing-assistant-cna-jobs

Mobility Support & Safety

Preventing falls is one of the most important caregiver responsibilities.

4. Transfers

Caregivers help clients move safely:

  • Bed to wheelchair

  • Chair to toilet

  • Car transfers

5. Walking Assistance

This includes:

  • Supervised walks

  • Using walkers or canes

  • Helping clients regain confidence

6. Bed Mobility

Many seniors need help:

  • Turning in bed

  • Sitting up

  • Reducing pressure sores

These skills are especially valued in major cities:

Companionship & Emotional Support

One of the most meaningful parts of caregiving is providing emotional support.

7. Conversation & Social Interaction

Caregivers offer companionship, reducing loneliness and isolation.

8. Engaging Activities

Examples:

  • Puzzles or games

  • Music

  • Reading

  • Arts & crafts

  • Walks outside

9. Emotional Comfort

Caregivers help clients feel:

  • Heard

  • Supported

  • Understood

This is particularly important for dementia caregiving roles.

Meal Preparation & Nutrition Support

Proper nutrition is crucial for seniors.

10. Meal Planning

Caregivers prepare meals that match:

  • Diabetic diets

  • Low-sodium diets

  • Soft diets

  • Heart-healthy meals

11. Cooking & Serving Meals

They cook simple, nutritious meals and ensure safe food handling.

12. Encouraging Hydration

Many seniors forget to drink water; caregivers monitor hydration levels.

Light Housekeeping & Home Safety

Caregivers help maintain safe living conditions.

13. Cleaning & Tidying

Tasks may include:

  • Dishwashing

  • Sweeping or vacuuming

  • Changing linens

  • Organizing clutter

14. Laundry

This includes washing, drying, folding, and changing bedding.

15. Home Safety Checks

Caregivers identify hazards such as:

  • Loose rugs

  • Poor lighting

  • Blocked walkways

Medication Reminders (Non-Medical)

Caregivers do not administer drugs unless certified, but they:

16. Give Medication Reminders

Ensuring clients take medications on time.

17. Monitor Side Effects

Reporting concerns to supervisors or families.

Transportation & Errands

Many clients need help maintaining independence.

18. Transportation Assistance

Caregivers may drive or accompany clients to:

  • Doctor appointments

  • Physical therapy

  • Grocery stores

  • Social activities

19. Grocery Shopping & Errands

Helping clients maintain their home environment and food supply.

Specialized Care Duties

Some clients require more advanced support.

20. Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care

Responsibilities include:

  • Redirection

  • Managing confusion

  • Preventing wandering

  • Creating routines

Dementia jobs:
https://carehireusa.com/job-category/caregiver-jobs

21. Hospice Support

Providing comfort and emotional stability during end-of-life care.

22. Post-Surgery Support

Helping clients recover safely at home.

Live-In Caregiver Duties

Live-in roles require extended responsibilities.

23. 24/7 Monitoring

Ensuring safety day and night.

24. Coordinating Daily Routines

Including meals, hygiene, rest, and activities.

25. Overnight Support

Helping with nighttime bathroom trips or confusion episodes.

Explore live-in jobs:
https://carehireusa.com/job-category/live-in-caregiver-jobs

Documentation & Reporting

Caregivers help families and agencies track care quality.

26. Daily Care Notes

Documenting tasks performed.

27. Reporting Changes

Examples:

  • Mood

  • Behavior

  • Mobility

  • Appetite

28. Incident Reporting

Falls, injuries, or significant observations.

Professionalism & Boundaries

29. Maintaining Privacy

Following HIPAA and personal boundaries.

30. Respecting Client Independence

Letting clients do as much as they safely can.

Conclusion

Caregiver duties and responsibilities vary based on the client’s needs, but they always require compassion, reliability, communication, and dedication. Understanding these tasks helps you prepare for interviews, strengthen your resume, and succeed in any caregiving role.

If you're ready to put these caregiving skills to work, explore jobs in your city:

https://carehireusa.com/job-category/caregiver-jobs



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