Several of us help older, sick, or disabled members of the family and friends on a daily basis. Caregiving takes many forms.We know we are helping, but we don’t think of ourselves as caregivers. When older adults’ need help, family members and friends often step in. These caregivers obtain the groceries, mow the lawn, pay the bills, escort to medical appointments, and sometimes even bathe, dress, and feed the loved one. Caregiving can be rewarding, exhausting, educational, and bewildering.
Family and Friend Caregivers
Family and friend caregiver are refer to unpaid individuals like family members, friends and neighbors who provide care. These individuals can be primary or secondary caregivers, part -time or full-time, and can live with the person being cared for or live individually.
Professional Caregivers
If you have the resources to hire a professional caregiver for yourself or a loved one at home, there are many things to consider.
The scope of services varies and can include help with eating meals, bathing, or even exercising. They can be trained medical professionals, able to assist with managing medications, vitals, or wound care, to non-medical caregivers who can help with things like cleaning or grocery shopping. Depending on the situation and a senior’s level of independence, caregivers do not necessarily have to be someone who is able to provide medical support. Home care gives both you and your loved one peace of mind, knowing that someone is there to help with any necessary tasks.
A caregiving service can fulfill the important need for socialization as older adults become more isolated. Personal attention gives your loved one the opportunity to interact with someone and give him/her company and conversation. Because home care allows seniors to remain within their own homes, it is generally the least disruptive type of care.
A caregiver will also be able to pay closer attention to the amount of food your loved one is eating to make sure their diet follows nutritional guidelines.
The cost of an in-home caregiver is generally less than a skilled nursing or assisted living facility where residents are not only paying for the caregiving staff, but also for room and board. Generally, a person receiving in-home care will have a more tailored routine, which can be an advantage to both mental and emotional health.