It can be challenging for those who have aging loved ones needing help to find the right type of care. Many families choose to have their loved ones receive care at home, where they feel safe and comfortable. These older adults may not need the services of medical professionals on a daily basis, but rather someone who can connect with them and help manage their daily lives. This is the role of our caregivers.
What Do Caregivers Do?
Caregivers provide a wide range of services depending on the needs of their clients. Sometimes, they simply need to check in on their client daily, visit for a bit and ensure that everything is as it should be. In other cases, the duties may be much more involved. Suppose the client has dementia or Alzheimer’s. In that case, the caregiver needs to understand these diseases’ nuances and progressive nature and be prepared to adapt their strategies as time goes on.
While the role of the caregiver in an older adult’s home varies greatly, any skilled caregiver should be patient, kind, and compassionate and be prepared to perform any or all of the following duties.
- Mental stimulation and companionship – may include having conversations, playing card or board games, doing puzzles, doing activities like gardening, knitting, painting, etc.
- Personal hygiene care: this may include everything from helping them brush their hair and teeth to bathing, helping them clean up after using the toilet, or diapering.
- Help with dressing
- Help with mobility or ambulation
- Medication reminders
- Help with exercise or physical therapy routines
- Housekeeping (including laundry)
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Transportation to/from medical and personal appointments
What Are the Advantages of Caregivers in the Home?
Caregivers who come to their clients’ homes to provide their services offer many advantages. Perhaps the biggest of these is that older adults do not need to travel anywhere to get the help they need. They can remain safely in their homes and receive the care and companionship they need where they are most comfortable.
These home caregivers provide regular monitoring of their clients. They understand the unique needs of older adults. They may be the first to notice changes in their client’s cognitive function or to recognize any new or progressing medical or emotional problems. In this way, caregivers offer peace of mind for families of older adults.
Let Legacy Homecare LA Provide the Care You Need
Finding the right caregiver for your loved one can be difficult, and you may feel overwhelmed by the options and your own responsibilities. There are so many factors to consider. Let the experts at Legacy Homecare LA help you. They will walk you through the steps to help you decide the level of care your loved one needs. Then they will find you a caregiver who not only meets your loved one’s needs, but is also a great fit on a personal level. Don’t struggle to find the best care for your loved one on your own. Book a consultation with Legacy Homecare LA today.
