Caretakers are professionals who are charged with the task of looking after property, assets, or individuals at the request of an employer. Caretaker jobs can be short-term arrangements with specified start and end dates, or be structured as a long-term employment opportunity. The scope of responsibilities will vary, depending on the type of position offered and the duties assigned by the employer.
The most common form of caretaking job is that of a property caretaker. A position of this type involves caring for the buildings and grounds of a specific piece of property. It is not unusual for the individual charged with this responsibility to reside on the premises, sometimes in living quarters assigned in the main structure. More often, the caretaking professional will occupy a small dwelling that is located in some area of the property that is removed from the main building.
In some cases, the caretaker job is a short-term arrangement. For example, people who will be away from their homes for several months may choose to hire someone to handle maintenance tasks in their absence. This can include tasks such as collecting mail, paying utility bills on behalf of the owner, maintaining the grounds, and in general giving the property the appearance of being occupied. Utilizing caretaking services for this type of short-term application helps to discourage break-ins as well as ensure that the home and grounds are in good condition when the owner does return.
Long-term caretaking positions are not uncommon with larger estates. In this type of situation, the caretaker is likely to live on the premises in assigned quarters and see to the daily maintenance of gardens, plumbing, wiring, and other aspects of the property. It is common for people who want an inviting home but do not wish to handle the details of maintenance to hire caretaking professionals who handle the day to day tasks of running the estate. This can include basic maintenance tasks, as well as oversee the process of securing outside assistance when and as needed.
A different type of caretaker job has to do with caring for an individual who is unable to function without assistance. Sometimes referred to as caregiving, this type of caretaking responsibility may include helping people who are ill or infirm to dress, eat, and attend to personal hygiene. Additional duties may include running errands, and transporting the client to and from doctor appointments. A personal caretaker may live at the residence of the client, or maintain a separate residence and work a specific number of hours each day.
