CATEGORY 1: MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY OF CAREGIVERS

Criteria to become a member, Associate member, Associate fellow, Student member, and Fellow of Community of Caregivers:

The Community of Caregivers is a professional and supportive network dedicated to individuals involved in caring for older adults, chronically ill patients, and individuals with disabilities. Membership eligibility is designed to ensure that members are committed to high-quality caregiving and continuous professional development.

• i. Healthcare Professionals – Nurses, Midwives, Physicians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, and other allied health professionals.
• ii. Professional Caregivers – Certified caregivers providing home-based, hospice, or institutional care.
• iii. Family Caregivers – Individuals who provide primary care for an elderly or disabled family member.
• iv. Social Workers and Counselors – Professionals who support patients' and caregivers' emotional and mental well-being.
• v. Volunteers and Advocates – Individuals dedicated to promoting the welfare of caregivers and those they serve.

Educational and Professional Qualifications

• Healthcare Professionals:
  • Must hold a recognized diploma or degree in a relevant field (e.g., Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, or Allied Health).
  • Professional licensure or certification is required (e.g., RN, MD, OT, PT).
  • Minimum of one year of professional experience in caregiving or elderly care.
• Professional Caregivers:
  • Must have completed a formal caregiver training program from a recognized institution.
  • Certification in basic life support (BLS) or first aid is an added advantage.
• Family Caregivers:
  • No formal education is required.
  • Must demonstrate active involvement in caregiving (e.g., through documentation, references, or personal statements).
• Social Workers and Counselors:
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, sociology or a related field.
  • Experience in supporting patients, families, or caregivers is highly recommended.
• Volunteers and Advocates:
  • No formal qualification required, but prior experience in healthcare advocacy or community service is preferred.
  • Must demonstrate a passion for supporting caregivers and improving healthcare outcomes.

Personal and Professional Attributes

• Commitment to Caregiving – A genuine passion for improving the well-being of individuals needing care.
• Ethical Conduct – Adherence to professional and ethical standards in caregiving.
• Willingness to Learn – Openness to continuous training and professional development.
• Collaboration & Community Engagement – Active participation in the caregiver network, workshops, and knowledge-sharing forums.

Membership Benefits

• Access to caregiver training, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
• Networking with experts and fellow caregivers.
• Career advancement support and mentorship.
• Resources for mental health and stress management.
• Global recognition and certification for active members.

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

• Enrollment: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited healthcare or caregiving-related program. This includes nursing, medicine, social work, allied health sciences, or other relevant fields.
• Proof of Status: Valid student identification (e.g., student ID card, transcript, or enrollment verification letter) must be submitted.
• Engagement: Students should demonstrate an interest in professional development by attending workshops, seminars, or other community events.

MEMBER

• Educational/Professional Background: Applicants should hold a recognized diploma, degree, or certification in a relevant healthcare field (e.g., Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Allied Health). Professionals from other caregiving fields are also eligible.
• Experience: A minimum of one year of professional experience in caregiving or related services is required. Applicant must be familiar with practical aspects of the field.
• Commitment: Members are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards and participate in continuing education initiatives offered by the Institute.
• Documentation: Submission of a completed application form, a current CV/resume, and, where applicable, professional registration details.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

• Individuals who do not meet the full membership criteria but have an interest in the healthcare field and wish to be affiliated with Community of Care.
• No specific qualifications or professional experience are necessary.
• Agree to uphold the institute's mission, vision, and core values.
• Pay the required associate membership dues and any applicable fees.

ASSOCIATE FELLOW

• Advanced Professional Experience: Candidates should have a significant track record in caregiving, typically with several years (3–5 years or more) of professional practice beyond initial qualification.
• Professional Development: Evidence of ongoing training, specialized certifications, or contributions to the field (e.g., research, quality improvement projects, or advanced clinical roles) is required.
• Mentorship Potential: Associate Fellows are expected to support and mentor junior members, contributing to the community’s educational efforts.
• Peer Endorsement: Recommendations or endorsements from current members or industry professionals may be requested to validate the applicant’s contributions and readiness for this level.

FELLOW

• Extensive Experience: Fellows are senior professionals with substantial experience, generally 10 or more years in caregiving or related fields. Their career should reflect a history of leadership, innovation, and sustained commitment to the profession.
• Significant Contributions: Applicants must provide evidence of noteworthy contributions such as published research, leadership in clinical practice, involvement in policy-making, or other initiatives that have advanced caregiving practices.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Fellows are expected to take on advisory roles, lead workshops or special projects, and mentor emerging professionals within the community.
• Nomination and Endorsement: The fellowship status is often conferred upon nomination by existing Fellows or a membership committee, supported by detailed references that highlight the applicant’s impact in the field.