Caregivers are responsible for providing home care services to individuals who need it. They can provide short-term or long-term care depending on a person’s needs.
They oversee daily tasks, prepare meals, shop and other errands, and monitor the elderly’s health. They also make sure their loved ones take all their medications properly.
Hygiene
Hygiene, derived from the Greek word for health, cleanliness, and sanitation, encompasses the conditions and practices that help preserve health. It includes processes and practices, such as washing hands and avoiding contact with infectious disease-causing organisms. It also involves other behaviors, such as covering coughs or sneezes and properly disposing of waste products. In the home care setting, good hygiene means keeping living areas clean and making sure that patients follow a regular bathing schedule. It also involves maintaining personal hygiene, such as brushing teeth and flossing, using the toilet, and taking medication on time.
A caregiver’s duties with regard to hygiene can vary based on the needs of each individual patient. For example, some seniors have difficulty maintaining a consistent personal hygiene routine as they age or as their medical condition advances. In these cases, a home caregiver can assist with daily hygiene tasks and encourage the client to stay on a regular schedule, including taking medications as directed by doctors.
In addition, caregivers can help patients practice safe cooking and food-handling habits to prevent infection. In fact, hygiene has been brought back to the public sphere as a result of concerns about SARS, pandemic influenza, and avian flu outbreaks. The terms household hygiene, kitchen hygiene, and culinary hygiene have become recurrent words in the media to describe practices that help protect the health of people in their homes or communities.
Medication
Almost all older adults take medication, and some have more than a dozen different prescriptions. Caregivers monitor the administration of these pills and work closely with medical professionals to ensure that their patients are taking them at the right time and correctly. They also check the medication supply regularly to ensure that there is enough for the next shift. If a patient is living alone, caregivers may also be responsible for locking up and counting controlled substances to prevent theft of drugs.
In addition to providing homemaking services, in-home caregivers often provide companionship. This can be particularly important for seniors who live alone and experience loneliness. This can lead to serious health problems, including depression and anxiety. Caregivers can provide a variety of activities to keep elderly loved ones company, from simple conversations to movie and game watching.
As a part of their duties, caregivers may be required to report any changes in the status or condition of their patients to family members and healthcare professionals. This can include red flags that a person is not well, such as if they seem to be struggling to sleep or are acting unusually.
In-home caregivers are typically hired by families through a home care agency. These agencies handle the hiring process and are responsible for screening, licensing, bonding, and insurance of their caregivers. They can also help the family find backup caregivers for when their primary caregiver cannot work a shift. They can also manage the caregivers’ finances and scheduling and provide other benefits, such as access to training, tools, and resources. Family members and independent caregivers can sometimes also work with an agency for these services.
Meal Preparation
In-home caregivers are often responsible for planning and preparing meals for their clients. This can include everything from working with a client to creating meal plans that suit their dietary needs and preferences to grocery shopping, cooking, and storing the food.
Meal preparation is an essential aspect of caregiving, as it ensures that seniors get the nutrients they need daily. Caregivers who are familiar with the nutritional needs of elderly patients can plan meals accordingly, including a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If a client has specific dietary restrictions, a caregiver can help them find foods that are compatible with those requirements, such as low-sodium or diabetic-friendly options.
Many elders who are receiving in-home care may not have family members living nearby who can assist them with meal preparation. This can lead to a decline in diet and an increase in reliance on convenience foods that are higher in fat, sodium, and sugar. Additionally, a lack of time to cook may cause a senior to stop eating altogether, which can have negative health effects.
Caregivers are also tasked with ensuring that the kitchen is kept clean and stocked, a task that is especially important for elderly people who may struggle with mobility or cooking skills. This includes sanitizing surfaces, keeping track of expiration dates, and ensuring that all ingredients are readily available for future meals. Some elderly care services also offer meal delivery, which provides a pre-prepared selection of meals that are delivered directly to the client’s home. The caregiver will usually plan the menu in advance and can take on shopping duties as well if desired.
Transportation
Caregivers are often tasked with providing transportation for their clients. If they aren’t able to attend a scheduled event, such as a doctor’s appointment or a visit with their physical therapist, a professional home caregiver can offer a ride. Caregivers have extensive training when it comes to helping seniors get where they need to go. They can help coordinate a ride through a senior transit service, Uber, taxi, or a local transport agency.
A caregiver can also assist with running errands, including grocery shopping and going to the post office. This can be a great way for seniors to get out of the house and socialize with friends. Whether it’s a weekly sports group, coffee meet-up, or trip to see the fall foliage, having a reliable companion to drive them around can have significant mental health benefits for seniors.
While these are some of the most common responsibilities of an in-home caregiver, it is important to note that every individual’s needs and situation are different. Some may require more advanced skills, such as administering medication or changing a light bulb. It’s important to communicate with your aging loved one about their specific care needs and schedule so that you can be there for them. Otherwise, you risk burnout and losing your life balance as you devote all your time and energy to caring for a loved one. Choosing the right in-home care provider for your aging family members is crucial for maintaining their independence, safety, and happiness. The team at Bravo has the experience and knowledge to find your loved one the perfect match. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Personal Care
The personal care duties of an in-home caregiver can include a number of different activities. These can include helping the individual bathe, dress, and groom themselves. It can also involve helping them eat and keeping track of their nutrition, especially if they have specific dietary restrictions. Caregivers can also assist with transportation needs by going with them to doctor’s appointments, shopping, and running errands. They may also help with household chores like laundry, cleaning, and sweeping.
Many older adults are unable to safely cook for themselves, leading them to make poor food choices that can negatively impact their health. Having an in-home caregiver who can prepare healthy meals for them will ensure they get the nutrients they need to maintain good health. Caregivers can also keep their patients company, reducing feelings of isolation that can cause serious emotional issues. Spending time together chatting, watching TV, or playing games can be a wonderful way to lift their spirits and help them feel connected to others.
Those who choose to work as a home health aide should have a thorough understanding of medical home care, including the ability to administer prescription and over-the-counter medications as needed. They should also be able to manage technical equipment, such as feeding tubes and catheters. Additionally, they should be able to respond quickly to any red flags that might indicate a change in their patient’s condition. This can be accomplished by establishing a system for keeping records that is easily accessible to all parties involved in the caregiving process. The responsibilities of an in-home caregiver can be varied and extensive, but they are often rewarding for those who choose this career path.
