The Responsibilities of a Caregiver
Posted By C-Care
As our parents and loved ones get older, there may come a time when they’ll need more care and attention, perhaps even on a daily basis. Whether you decide to take on that role as their caregiver or hire someone to support them, the duties involved will vary based on their needs and health condition. It’s important to recognize that no matter how much you love them, taking on this role can be extremely overwhelming, which is why you should never feel ashamed to ask for help or hire someone to assist them.
Here is a brief overview of the most common responsibilities of a caregiver so you know what to expect. Of course, don’t hesitate to ask us at C-Care if you have any questions or require our caregiving services.
Assessing and Assisting with Their Medical Needs
One of the most important aspects of caregiving is monitoring their health and level of pain or discomfort. Creating a schedule and routine for taking medications, making any medical appointments, and arranging a safe mode of transportation are essential steps during this stage. Of course, this will depend on their health and whether they are suffering from any serious and/or chronic conditions.
General Housekeeping and Basic Daily Needs
As your loved one gets older, they’ll need more assistance with their daily needs and activities. This can range from basic activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing and toileting. Of course, if they are determined to age in place so they can remain as independent as possible, maintaining their home can become a major challenge that they may not be able to tackle on their own. As a caregiver, you may need to assist with yard work, taking out the garbage, and general cleaning and maintenance each week, among other tasks.
Preparing Meals
Using the stove and handling basic meal prep duties can also be very challenging with age, especially if your loved one suffers from medical conditions with dietary restrictions or if they have any memory or motor skills issues. As a caregiver, meal prep is commonly needed to ensure your loved one is having nutritional meals each day without any risk involved.
Companionship
One of the most disregarded aspects of caregiving, but one of the most essential, is companionship. Loneliness is very common among seniors, and being isolated from others has shown to have major impacts on their physical and mental health. When caring for a loved one, offering your time to connect, converse and brighten their day is just as important as anything else.
At C-Care, we know how challenging it can be to provide the level of support that an aging parent might need. That’s why we encourage people to never feel ashamed to ask for help. If you’re looking for professional, considerate, and attentive at-home care for your senior loved one, reach out to us today to learn more about us and how we can assist.
