In this post, we delve into the daily life of a formal caregiver. Formal caregivers are paid care providers giving service to a recipient at the home or at a care facility whether it be a long-term facility or a day-care. Although, these are paid services the degree of attention given to the care recipient is the same and might even be more. Formal caregivers assist in activities of everyday life including medical tasks.
With the increasing older population and individuals with disabilities, caregivers are in demand. Training programs and certifications are now available. Some individuals, look forward to being professional caregivers. The public health agencies now have systems to improve the health and well-being of caregivers and care recipients. Caregivers are now given access to information and support to assist minimize the stress from caregiving.
Daily Routine
The family who decides to hire a caregiver is taking a big step, some seniors prefer to stay in an assisted living facility while others like to stay in the comfort of their homes. In-home caregivers make it possible for the care recipient to remain at a familiar place while getting attention and assistance with the range of activities for daily living.
Here is a quick look at an average daily life of a caregiver:
• Assisting in the personal hygiene of the recipient
Upon waking up, a senior needs to do basic personal hygiene. The caregiver sees to it that such a task is performed properly. Caregivers assist in the bathing to include getting into and out of the bathtub or shower. They assist in shampooing, washing, combing, shaving, and other grooming needs.
• Nutrition and food preparation
Seniors need good nutrition for optimal health. However, there are cases when seniors find it difficult to eat or have no appetite. Seniors are also unlikely to prepare and cook meals and will resort to convenience food which will not provide the needed nutrients. The caregiver can ensure that the senior receives a balanced and nutritious meal. If there are special needs in this regard, the caregiver can prepare them as well. The elderly can be asked what food he or she would like to have and then possibly prepare the meal together. The caregiver can provide company during the meal.
• Toilet and incontinence care
Many seniors find It embarrassing to ask for help going to the toilet. The caregiver sees to the maintenance of comfort for the elderly when assisting. If the elderly is wearing a diaper, the caregiver should be sensitive when replacing the diaper. Improper cleaning of the sensitive areas may result in unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and infections.
• Medication
Studies have shown that on average an elderly takes more than 5 prescription medications a day. It is vital for them not to miss any dosage. Seniors struggle with memory loss as they get older, so the caregiver must see the medications at the proper time every day.
• Light housekeeping
Many seniors can no longer do house cleaning, assisting in this aspect is one task the caregiver can do. By maintaining a clean and tidy environment, well-being and health are expected. Light housekeeping tasks may include cleaning the bathroom, sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning the kitchen. A caregiver can also take out the trash, doing laundry, arranging the closet, and organizing the room. The elderly can participate in the activity. This service reduces the burden of the family and the elderly too.
• Transporting the care recipient
Most care recipients can no longer drive to where they want to go. This means that the elderly rely on family members for supermarket runs or doctor’s appointments. The caregiver can provide this essential need and can be with the elderly when he or she is outside the home.
• Mobility assistance
Seniors struggle with balance and mobility. Something simple like getting up from bed and going to the bathroom may be a challenge. It is important for caregivers to assist the elderly. The goal here is to keep the elderly’s body flexible through exercise while helping them to be safe.
• Companionship
A lot of seniors live alone and opportunities for conversation may be seldom. Without someone to talk to, a senior may feel lonely and depress. Studies have shown that seniors who are socially active lead a better quality of life. This is perhaps the most invaluable service that a caregiver can provide. They provide companionship and conversation. They can engage the senior in games or watch a movie or TV together.
A formal caregiver's life revolves around the care recipient. They have the compassion to attend to the needs of the elderly. Many would not want to do their tasks, but they keep on.
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