What’s Your Responsibility as a Caregiver in Rockford, MI?
More and more seniors are living longer and choosing to receive care at home instead of going to a nursing home or assisted living facility. For this reason an increasing number of family members are stepping into the role of caregiver for their elderly parent or loved one. Others choose this as a profession and go into the homes of elderly adults to provide care. What are the responsibilities of a caregiver?
Caregiving can involve a variety of responsibilities and can be very stressful depending upon the situation. A caregiver is someone who is willing to help the elderly or disabled with day-to-day functions.
The duties of an in-home care provider include:
- Personal care – Activities that involve hygiene, such as bathing, shaving, toileting, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and combing their hair.
- Preparing healthy snacks and well-balanced meals to ensure the elder is getting the proper nutrition.
- Ambulation – Helping an elder get from place to place. This can include transferring them in and out of bed, baths, wheelchairs, or cars.
- Companionship – This can involve sitting with an elder and having a conversation, reading a book, watching their favorite program on TV, or playing their favorite game.
- Household chores – This can include cleaning, vacuuming, dishes, and laundry. Whatever tasks are needed to keep the home neat and sanitary.
- Running errands – This may or may not include the elder. They may need you to take them to the grocery store, a hair appointment, a friend or relative’s house, or a doctor’s appointment.
- Take and record vital signs.
- Getting them involved in social activities or hobbies is a great way to keep an elder from feeling lonely, depressed, and isolated.
- Help implement an exercise routine. Staying active is very important for seniors. This doesn’t mean that is has to be strenuous activity or involve a gym, but even getting them out for a short walk will be helpful.
- Medication management – Making sure the senior takes the right medication at the right time in the right dosage.
- Making sure the bills get paid.
As you can see, there are many responsibilities when it comes to being a caregiver. Your loved one or client may need help with only a few things or several things. It depends on their health condition and mobility limitations. A caregiver ensures that the necessary daily tasks are performed and the safety needs of the individual are met.
If you or someone you know needs help with caregivers in Rockford, MI, contact the caregivers at Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care for many disabled and elderly loved ones in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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