Caregiver jobs in AZ and buying a van

[Paula]

Hello,

Thanks so much for this forum.   You folks are so awesome I can't say enough about it.   My plan was to purchase a van while caring for my elderly mother to phase into becoming a van dweller.   My problem is, mom takes too much of my time to even go out and test drive a van and I realized it ain't gonna happen that way.   It looks like I will have to purchase a van after mom passes away.   So now, my plan looks like this... Sell everything off, fly to Quartzite, AZ, buy a van and try to find a job as a elderly caregiver out that way.  Does this plan sound practical to folks?   I will have had no experience living in a van, but have watched many videos and have had many wonderful talks with van dwellers.  I don't see myself purchasing a van in Chicago because they have rust issues and I have anxiety issues when driving long distances.   Does it seem realistic to find a decent van and a caregiving job in AZ?   I will be 54 this year but am in relatively good shape otherwise.  Thanks so much again.

 

[phillipaaron]

Anything in life is doable if you want it bad enough. I don't see anything majorly flawed with your plan. Some things to consider is it may take some time to find the right van. Therefore, be sure you have living arrangements when you fly to AZ to hold you over until you find a van. Then you need to take into consideration on the time for converting it, if you're going to do any work on it. You'll also want to make sure you have funds to carry you until you find a job. I'd keep a close eye on the job market and have all your ducks in a row so when the time comes you're ready to pound the streets to acquire that new job.

I have nothing to offer on finding a van or job in AZ. Best way to find out about the job market is to do some research see what is out there and rather or not you meet the qualifications. Perhaps someone with more experience in the area and lifestyle will chime in but that's about all I got. Good luck!

 

[GotSmart]

Lake Havasu has a large retirement community.  You might look there.

 

[Paula]

Thank you both so much for the wise advice and the referral to Lake Havasu. I so appreciate it! I will make sure to check out jobs and have a living set up before I leave. Awesome advice!

 

[akrvbob]

My first thought is to ask if you were aware of the heat in the Arizona desert? 110 in the day and 90 at night is a typical summer day. I'd strongly suggest being in an RV Park where you can plug in and run an air conditioner.

If you are going to do that, why not get an RV? You can get a pretty decent Class C for about the same price as a van and be much more comfortable in an RV Park.

Are you locked into being a caregiver. That basically means you can't travel and must be in a city. If your health is good there is a circuit many people do of Campground host in the National Forest > Beet Harvest (you never set foot on a farm) > Amazon distribution center.

That's May - December and it's very realistic to save $8000 to $10,000 after you are done.
Bob

 

[Txjaybird]

Hello,  I do not know if you have any professional experience, or training.  I had young family members which were either CNA = Certified Nursing Assistant or CHHA = Certified Home Health Aide.  While working within the criminal justice system in Dallas County, TX I was required to take and stay certified  in Basic First Aid usually thru the American Red Cross or The American Heart Association.  I know that in some areas folks often need someone to be with there elderly or disabled family members during the day while they work. I have lived twice in a very rural are of S.D and it was hard to fill this need due to the caregivers at times cost more than the family member earned. 

 I think there is a real need for people to just be with someone and do light housekeeping, a little cooking and make sure they are safe and clean and get their meds. when they need them.    You know what family, friends, and neighbors used to do when there was a need.

 I once needed a sitter for my Grandmother in Dallas and she had to go in a Nursing home because my earnings at Krystal Hamburger and her S.S. couldn't cover the cost of a sitter for her and keep up on our home costs  She never made it home and passed away back in the hospital....after I had to call an ambulance to the nursing home and threaten to carry her out in my arms as the director of the home tried to block access to the paramedics.   I was just 19yrs. at that time......by the time I hit my 30's I would  have owned the joint or done my best to close it down before I was done with them.  I'd had a heads up about my Grandmothers treatment when I wasn't around from someone who also had a family member there.  I've often wondered if there were deaths there that could have been prevented.

While I was still hoping to return to work and contemplating a long move to a different state { I wasn't sure where I was going} just that I was leaving where I was.  I called around in the states I was interested in and inquired about licensing and/or certification in various fields I was interested in or had worked in.

There are some Temp agencies who handle medical staffing and some have offices in several states just like Manpower Temps.  You might call Skilled Nursing Facilities and Hospitals human resource depts. in the areas you want to live/work in.  I did this when I thought I was getting the run-a-round for licensing requirements for Substance Abuse Counselors & I wasn't...that state only had  a certification process.  You just never know until you ask.......maybe some of tis will be a help to you, I hope so. 
                                        
                                                          Jewellann aka Texas Jbird

 

[Paula]

Wow, thanks so much to both of you for your feedback. Lots and lots of terrific information and advice. I have worked as a secretary most of my life, have both a CNA license and a bartending license. That said, they are both licenses for Illinois and I figure I would have to revisit schooling again once moved, so yes, lots of good advice about that. I figured I should go the caregiving route because I know I'm good at it and the need is so extremely great. Trying to keep my own mother out of a nursing home, i figure I can live in a van and continue to keep others out of such places. An RV makes sense out west, thanks I originally thought a van because I can stay stealth in the city. Thank you so much for the job advice. So much terrific advice. I can't thank you enough.

 

[SoulRaven]

Job service in AZ: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/ada/r/ I have lived in AZ but not since 1999. We were in the Tucson area. A lot of full-timers and snowbirds were settling in the area. I would look at the cost of living where you are and where you think you might prefer to be. There are cost of living calculators on line where you can just put in numbers: http://www.bankrate.com/calculators...lator&ef_id=V0BzzQAABMhpVSqD:20160521144221:s

Sadly, we saw a lot of people move to southern AZ for the weather, the "dry" heat myth fools a lot of people. The difference between dry heat and humid heat is like the difference between being baked or steamed. You'll want something insulated fairly well if you are going to sit in one location.

AZ is a beautiful state once you adapt if coming from the north. If you haven't lived in a dry climate before, you'll experience dust like never before and trying to stay hydrated can be a challenge. Learn all you can before making the move. I love AZ but knowledge makes everything so much easier.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I wouldn't think Quartzite is the best place to buy a Van with their smaller population. Arizona in general is pretty good though (thinking in the larger cities), as none of the vehicles will have the rust from road salt.

 

[Paula]

Thank you so much to all of you All this information is priceless. Thanks again!

 

[mockturtle]

If your CNA certification is reciprocated in AZ it will be easy enough to get licensed there and find employment. I did that with my WA state RN license and it only took a few weeks to obtain an AZ license.

 

[GotSmart]

I wouldn't think Quartzite is the best place to buy a Van with their smaller population.  Arizona in general is pretty good though (thinking in the larger cities), as none of the vehicles will have the rust from road salt.

The Ford and Chevy dealers in Blythe CA advertise a shuttle service to and from Quartzsite.  I am not sure if they have an AZ sales license to save you CA regs and taxes.

 

[Txjaybird]

Wow, thanks so much to both of you for your feedback.   Lots and lots of terrific information and advice.  I have worked as a secretary most of my life, have both a CNA license and a bartending license.   That said, they are both licenses for Illinois and I figure I would have to revisit schooling again once moved, so yes, lots of good advice about that.   I figured I should go the caregiving route because I know I'm good at it and the need is so extremely great.  Trying to keep my own mother out of a nursing home, i figure I can live in a van and continue to keep others out of such places.   An RV makes sense out west, thanks  I originally thought a van because I can stay stealth in the city.  Thank you so much for the job advice.  So much terrific advice.  I can't thank you enough.

I believe some states often honor out of state license and/or certificates in  various fields. Of course they may also require some testing and fees.  I don't think it would hurt to make some calls and find out.  I know there is a lot of info on the internet....I like to look things up and then call and ask my questions and get my answers from a live person....I always ask a persons name and write it down, as I tend to forgit some things and if I need to call back I already have the name of someone who may have been of help before.

I just thought of this, if you need recent CEU's you might be able to do them on line. Here in my state when you are 60 you are eligible for free tuition at the community college level.  I told a lady who I see at the library about this when she told me she is doing a degree with a "on line college"and she is 76! I told her she had me beat as I was ONLY 42 when I got me GED and started college.  
 
If you buy a travel trailer or other RV with a bathroom in it it might be cheaper to rent a mobile home lot and pay your elec. service separate from the rent.   I have done this in TX & OK.   I just checked this out a few miles from me on friday and a big shady mobile hm. lot is $150+ plus elec. service billing from the power co,  OR  $350 to $550 depending on 30, 40. or 50 amp service.........smaller lots and very little shade  A lot of this depends on local zoning and park rules also the amenities provided by the park/ campground. 
 
Well good luck in your rolling home lifestyle........whatever you live in  and where ever you park it.
                                                          Jewellann

 

[Ella1]

There are numerous dealers in and around Phoenix and Tucson.
Flying into Phoenix is less expensive that into Tucson, but if you make it to Tucson, maybe we can meet up.