Companion / Non-Medical Caregiver — On-the-job English
Study in your language — but on the job you'll speak English. These are the real phrases you actually say for this work, with a note in your language. Not a script; common situations workers report.
Emergency — calling for help (911)
I need help — an 84-year-old woman fell and can't get up.
Give the person's age and what happened, first thing.
She is not responding. Please send an ambulance to this address.
Say 'not responding' and give the full address clearly.
He has chest pain — I've called 911. Please come now.
Tell the family the emergency and that you've already called 911.
The operator asked me to start CPR — can you stay on the line?
911 can talk you through CPR — keep the phone on.
Family handoff — taking care instructions
Understood — heart pill at 8 with breakfast, and I'll help her every time she gets up.
Repeat the instruction back so the family knows you understood.
Should I write down when she eats and drinks?
Ask if they want a daily log — many families do.
Fall prevention — safety command
Please wait for me — let me help you stand.
Stop the client from getting up alone — the top fall risk.
Hold the rail with both hands. Let's go slow, one step at a time.
Short, calm commands during any transfer or walk.
Medication reminder — a boundary, not administering
It's time for your morning pills — here's your water.
You REMIND; you do not give or measure medication.
I'm not sure if you took them — I'll check the chart and call your daughter.
When unsure, check the log and call the family — never guess.
Setting a boundary on duties (scope creep)
My role is your mother's care and light tidying around her.
State your scope calmly when asked to clean the whole house.
I'm happy to talk about anything beyond that with the agency.
Route extra demands through the agency, not an on-the-spot yes.