As our loved ones age or become ill, it becomes a priority to make sure they are given the best care. Most people prefer to stay in their own homes surrounded by familiar things. They feel safe and secure there.
Unfortunately, for many, they are no longer able to perform their usual daily activities without assistance. In addition, some need ongoing medical attention.
To keep them out of assisted living, caregivers are brought in to help.
Read on for information on the different types of caregivers.
Family Caregiver
What is a caregiver? It is simply someone who offers loving care to someone in need. Many times, this can be a member of the family.
If the person does not require around-the-clock care or extensive medical attention, someone in the family can often step in to help.
This care is often done at no charge and keeps the ill or disabled person comfortable with someone they already know.
The problem is when there is caregiver burnout or the tasks become too complicated or intense for them to handle.
Personal Caregiver
When someone does not need medical care, but just cannot be left alone, a personal caregiver is the right choice. They can be found through agencies or even as individuals. You should always check their caregiver certification before hiring.
These individuals help out with meal preparation, house cleaning, transportation, grooming, and other basic functions needed. They also provide companionship and emotional support.
Depending on the level of care required, they can come daily or on an assigned schedule with full or part-time options.
Home Health Caregiver
When the needs involve medical attention, you should seek out a home health caregiver.
A home health nurse will monitor vitals such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and lung function. If they are diabetic, they will also check glucose levels. In addition, they will monitor medications.
If the patient has had a medical procedure, they will check on the wound or follow up on the healing progress. They may do physical therapy or suggest ways to improve overall health.
These caregivers don’t come as often as personal caregivers and it is possible to need both to keep the person able to live at home alone.
Live-In Caregivers
There may come a time when your loved one needs around-the-clock care. If they are still not ready to go to assisted living, it may be time to consider a live-in caregiver.
There are actually two kinds of live-in caregivers and knowing the difference is important. A live-in caregiver does stay there 24 hours a day but is entitled to 8 hours of sleep and breaks. This leaves a time gap when your loved one needs supplemental care.
A 24 hour caregiver uses rotating shifts with multiple personnel so your loved one is never left unattended.
Which Choice Is Right for Your Loved One
It is always a tough choice when your loved one is unable to live at home alone. Fortunately, there are a few options when it comes to caregivers. Once you assess the need, you can decide which one is right for your situation.
Our goal is to help provide a resource for all the good things in life. Bookmark our page and visit often.