One popular choice among the elderly population is in-home care. This can be a wonderful decision, as this option allows the care receiver to enjoy the amenities and comforts of home, without having to move. Many times, the task of caring for those at home falls on the family of the care receiver. Of course, we all want to care for loved ones, but the task could be daunting if you don’t have the medical knowledge necessary to care for someone. Not only that, compassionate caregiving can also be overwhelming and draining at times. Perhaps it’s time to find someone to come into the home and care for your loved one.
Choosing a Caregiver
Once you’ve decided to hire a caregiver, you will discover that a caregiver can serve several different roles. Here are some ways a caregiver can help:
- Running Errands
Caregivers can help with tasks like running to the post office or the drug store. They can also help with taking care of more simple tasks like making sure doors are locked and driving your loved one to the store.
- Help with Personal Care
A caregiver can help with showering and bathing, dressing, and other hygiene concerns if needed. There may also be other issues like mobility. If a care receiver needs help getting out of bed, getting out of the tub, or using the restroom, a caregiver can help with these issues as well.
- Companionship
A caregiver can serve as a wonderful companion to your loved one. From sitting down to play a card game to just hanging out to watch a movie, this kind of companionship can be a comforting result of hiring a caregiver.
- Household Help
A caregiver can help with light household chores to a degree. You can expect them to do some housework like making beds, doing some dishes, and sweeping crumbs.
- Medical Care
Most importantly, a caregiver can help your loved one with their health. It can be a challenge to care for someone medically if you don’t have the expertise or skills required to perform this care. A certified caregiver can meet that need. They can take vitals, administer medications, and perform wellness checks.
First Steps
Once you’ve hired a caregiver, you will need to choose the level of care you need. The first visit with the caregiver will be a general assessment of your loved one’s needs and the creation of a care plan. The caregiver will help design a protocol so that you can know what kind of care your loved one will receive.
General Care
- PCA
A personal care aide is someone who can offer assistance with light personal care, some housekeeping, and companionship.
- HHA
An HHA or home health aide can provide slightly more personal care, such as bathing, using the restroom, and mobility issues.
Medical Care
- CNA
A certified nursing assistant can perform some, but not all, medical tasks. They can take vital signs, clean catheters, take temperatures, and service medical equipment, under the supervision of a doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner.
- LPN
Licensed practical nurses have the certifications to provide medical care. They can use feeding tubes, start an IV, give shots, and help patients with medications.
- RN
A registered nurse has earned a degree in nursing and can help with almost all types of medical care.