21 Nov What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Caregiver?

Senior individuals need assistance to go through daily activities such as preparing and eating meals, bathing, laundry, shopping, and more. However, they also need companionship, support, and special care depending on their health condition.

What if you could provide general health care, transportation, and meal prep for your aging loved one by utilizing the skills of one qualified caregiver instead of hiring an entire staff? Oftentimes, home care is thought of as a way to care for elderly or infirm patients when in reality, it can be so much more. The responsibilities and duties of caregivers span far beyond just medical care. They’re equipped to handle a wide variety of needs, providing stability and continuity of care. Whether you’re looking for an emotional support companion or respite services, you’ll find exactly what you need when you enlist the help of a caregiver from Riveter Consulting Group.

Here are important things every personal adult caregiver needs to remember

Personal Care

It’s not uncommon for elderly patients to struggle with day-to-day tasks. As the signs of aging progress, simple things like getting dressed, bathing, or brushing your teeth can become tiresome. In some cases, they may even be painful. Because of this, many seniors neglect their hygiene simply because it’s difficult to keep up with their daily routine. A caregiver can assist with as much or as little as needed for the patient to keep up with their daily personal hygiene routine. Grooming, using the toilet, or exercising is much easier with the help of a qualified home caregiver. A caregiver is trained to assist while still allowing patients to remain as independent as possible. By striking a careful balance, the relationship between a caregiver and patient becomes stronger.

Meal Planning and Food Preparation

Dietary restrictions, preferences, and needs make it difficult for many people to receive the nutrients they need daily. For those who are sick or aging, it can be even harder to create nutritious and delicious meals. Allow a caregiver to help. A caregiver has been trained to handle any interactions that specific foods may have with medications, while also avoiding allergies. On top of interactions, creating highly nutritious meal plans is just one of the many responsibilities of a caregiver. They’ll enlist the help of their patients to ensure that each meal is custom-tailored to fit their dietary needs and personal tastes while remaining delicious and nutritious. On top of planning a menu, most caregivers will do the necessary grocery shopping and preparations to make mealtime easier than ever.

Transportation

Transportation is a huge concern for the elderly. Most seniors are outliving their ability to safely drive but still take to the road frequently, putting themselves and others at risk. Instead of relying on themselves to get to and from appointments, pharmacies, or stores, many seniors are choosing to enlist the help of a caregiver. Qualified caregivers can provide transportation to and from activities as well as be there to assist patients in and out of wheelchairs as needed. This relieves the stress and anxiety that may accompany seniors and their loved ones when trying to coordinate transportation.

Companionship

Loneliness and depression are common issues that lead to a decreased quality of life among seniors. While family visits and social activities may occur from time to time, many seniors find themselves feeling alone in between engagements. A home care provider is more than just someone to assist with non-medical daily tasks. They provide constant and reliable companionship. These qualified individuals supervise patients while also giving them someone to talk to daily. Care providers may even have ideas as to how to take up new hobbies or cultivate new friendships. This sort of emotional support allows each senior to continue enjoying the social aspects of their life. It’s a source of stability needed to thrive throughout their golden years.

Medication Management

On average, seniors are consuming five medications per day. That number could grow or decrease, depending on individual needs and diagnoses. While the number of medications being taken is high, it’s estimated that 75 percent of seniors aren’t taking their pills properly. Some may be taking medications that interact with each other, while others may not possess the mental capacity to remember whether or not they’ve taken specific pills. With such a high-risk factor, it’s important to monitor medications and consumption among the elderly carefully. A qualified in-home care provider works closely with medical professionals to ensure that their patients are taking each medication properly. By administering pills and properly educating each of their patients, they help to reduce the risk of serious issues that accompany the improper use of medications.

General Health Care

While an in-home care provider may not be able to perform checkups or in-depth health procedures, they are qualified for health monitoring and basic care. They can follow a care plan and monitor the patient to ensure that no changes occur. If an issue does arise, the home care provider consults with medical professionals to decide on a course of action.

Memory Care

In the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, patients may struggle. They may become more forgetful and agitated due to the increased confusion. Family members may feel guilty as they’re unable to provide around-the-clock care. Luckily, having a designated caretaker in place can help. Not only does it provide stability and companionship, but it allows the family to feel at ease knowing that their loved one is being constantly supervised and cared for.

Family Support

It’s difficult for family members to come to terms with the signs of aging that their elders may display. Many don’t know how to help or how to cope with the situation. A caregiver is available for both patient and family support. They provide education, ideas, and methods to make family life easier. With the help of an in-home caregiver, family members can remain independent while still providing the care that their loved ones need.

Your caregiver should meet every one of your needs. Whether you need someone who possesses each one of these skills or who just provides basic care, allow Riveter Consulting Group to help. By carefully matching each of our caregivers with patients, you can rest assured that you’ll get the help needed.