What do Home Care Helper do?
One of the pleasures of adulthood is the ability to be self-sufficient. However, as we age, we may be unable to accomplish certain tasks on our own, such as provide our own
Chicago in-home health care. Not well or safely enough, at least.
Many of these factors have a significant impact on our quality of life. Things like:
- Taking the proper medication at the right time.
- Running errands.
- Cleaning the house.
- Meal preparation.
- Ensuring we eat the right diet for our age and lifestyle.
- Personal care.
- Health care at home.
While some of these tasks may appear straightforward now, they will become increasingly difficult as time passes. Relying on family members to run errands can be difficult and stressful because everyone has their own busy life to lead, especially if long-term care is required.
When this happens, hiring a trained home care professional is one of the greatest methods to avoid tragedies or unanticipated hassles for yourself and your family.
One of the greatest and most comfortable solutions for seniors who would prefer to live in their own home but require additional assistance is to hire their own personal support worker.
Caregivers Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes
There are many various types of caregivers that you can hire, all with different qualities, skills, and goals. They are also known as ‘Domiciliary Care Workers.’ As a senior, it’s important to understand the many sorts so you can determine which one best suits your needs at home:
Aides in Personal Care (PCAs)
A Personal Care Aide is perhaps the most prevalent sort of home care or health care professional (PCA). A personal care assistant (PCA) is employed to assist the elderly, disabled, or convalescents with daily living activities in their own homes or in a long-term care facility.
Housekeeping is a common part of their responsibilities (washing dishes, cleaning the home, doing laundry, making beds and so on). They also assist with meal preparation and personal care (bathing and dressing) for the individual. They may also assist with transportation to and from appointments and errands in some circumstances.
Licensed Practical Nurses (RNs)
Registered Nurses are trained caregivers who can work both in and out of the hospital setting. A Registered Nurse would be the finest home care professional for you if you are a senior who has had major surgery or is recovering from a debilitating medical condition.
This is someone who can assist you with diet, exercise, nutrition, and medicine as part of your rehabilitation and post-treatment care. Following your discharge from a hospital, care facility, or when you require long-term health care, Registered Nurses are frequently suggested.
Aides in Health Care at Home (HHAs)
Home Health Aides, like Personal Care Aides, give great care and assistance at home. The only difference is that Home Health Aides have extensive state-approved training and licensing, allowing them to identify and recognize unfavorable symptoms in their patients. This enables them to immediately provide you with the assistance you require.
Physical Therapists (PTs)
You’ll need a physical therapist on call when your mobility deteriorates. This is a specialist that will work with anyone who is having trouble moving around in their surroundings. Specialized services are also available for seniors who have had joint replacement surgery. It is their responsibility to ensure that you can move around safely in your house and community.
Among the other categories of caregivers are:
- Occupational Therapists (OTs): These experts serve elders who are cognitively challenged and require assistance with daily activities.
- Speech-Language Pathologists (STs): These professionals specialize in helping seniors who have had a stroke and are having difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- Medical Social Workers (MSWs): These specialists assist seniors by demonstrating how to access community services and training families on how to deal with age-related issues.
Despite their various designations, these professionals all have one thing in common: their goal is to make your life easier and better.
What Are the Responsibilities of Caregivers?
In a nutshell, care staff make your life at home as simple as possible. They will assist you with your medication, daily tasks, and errands, as well as provide as a platonic buddy when you need someone to lean on. It is their responsibility to assist you see the bright side of life when age-related difficulties bring you down, as they often do.
While it is their responsibility to ensure that you live in a secure and loving environment, they must also support and promote your choices if they do not endanger your health or life.
The Advantages of a Home Caregiver
There are various advantages to having a home caregiver. You will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that you are not alone, in addition to having a professional looking after your health and personal care in your own home.
If you’re considering hiring a caregiver but aren’t sure, consider the following benefits to help you make the best decision:
- Home Care Is Affordably Priced: One of the most significant barriers to in-home care today is the perception that it is an expensive choice. The truth is that hiring a home care professional is much less expensive per hour than committing oneself to a nursing home.
- It Provides You with Individualized, One-on-One Care: When you employ a home care professional, you are hiring their undivided attention; at least while they are in your home. During their working hours, they will lavish you with their undivided attention. When it comes to age-related disorders and rehabilitation, this is especially important.
- You Keep Your Independence: With in-home care, you can stay in your own home. This helps you to maintain your freedom, which will increase your self-assurance and comfort. All of these characteristics contribute to a favorable atmosphere for recovery and pleasure.
- Keeps You Close to Your Family: Ideal nursing homes are often located in remote areas (sometimes even in entirely different states). As a result, the family is unable to visit as frequently as they would want. Having a home caregiver prevents you from being uprooted and separated from your loved ones.
- Lowers Infection Risk: Receiving your care at home keeps you away from institutions that house other recovering patients, where you’re more likely to contract an infection. Hiring a Home Health Aide or a Registered Nurse also minimizes the likelihood of an infection or the symptoms of an age-related illness going untreated.
- You Get a Broad Range of Services: An in-home care worker can assist you with more than just basic personal care. They also assist in the home, conduct errands, cook meals, and provide much-needed assistance.
The one that sticks out among all these advantages is that an in-home caregiver will give you and your family much-needed peace of mind. Knowing that you have a trained, qualified, and certified someone providing you with the care you require in the comfort of your own home takes a weight off your loved ones’ shoulders. It’s also beneficial to your health.
Characteristics to Look for in a Caregiver
If this arrangement is to operate the way you want it to, certain features should be present, just as you would look at the qualifications and type of caregiver to hire. Here are some of the most important characteristics to look for in a caregiver:
- Patience: You’ll need someone who is patient and compassionate because there will be times when both of you are frustrated.
- Punctuality: Because most of your day will be arranged around the care they offer; you need someone who is punctual.
- Quick Learner: Everyone’s needs, and preferences are different. You’ll need someone who can rapidly pick up on your requirements and preferences so that you can coexist peacefully.
- A good listener: No one enjoys having to repeat oneself. You’ll need someone who will pay attention to you and understand what you’re saying. Plus, you’ll most likely have some interesting tales to tell.
- Willingness to Go the Extra Mile: You’ll need someone who is willing to go the extra mile when the situation calls for it.
- Accountability: The success of this arrangement hinges on both parties’ ability to stick to a strict timetable. When it comes to sticking to a diet and taking medications, it’s a must.
So, in response to the query, ‘What can a caregiver do for me?’ Quite a bit! The best caregivers will be your friend, companion, and guide, as well as someone who will significantly improve the quality of your life. Once you’ve found the appropriate one, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your golden years knowing that you’re being looked after by a trained professional.
Contact your local Right Choice Home Care office today to schedule a free in-home consultation and learn more about our caregiver services.
