Cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, helping with medical appointments, and managing medications are some of an elderly caregiver’s duties. But your responsibilities will ultimately depend on your loved one’s health and needs.
Depending on the level of support provided, long-term caregiving can take a toll on the caregiver’s physical and emotional health. Consider your loved one’s condition and your health and skills to determine whether in-home care is appropriate or if more specialized care is needed. Central Florida retirement communities have the best residences for the elderly. You can check them out.
What Is A Caregiver?
A caregiver cares for the health and well-being of someone who needs help with daily tasks and activities. Your aging loved one may need a caregiver because of an injury, mobility or memory issues, illnesses, or chronic conditions that make everyday chores more challenging.
Senior Caregiver Duties And Responsibilities
Your caregiver duties may vary each day, but some basic tasks remain the same when caring for an aging parent or senior loved one.
Take a look at these top caregiver responsibilities:
- Assess Medical Needs
Checking on your senior loved one’s health is a vital caregiver’s responsibility. You may need to help keep track of medical appointments, manage medications and chronic conditions, or assess pain levels. It’s a good idea to regularly discuss your loved one’s health with their doctor and other health professionals.
- Prepare A Care Plan
Preparing a care plan that addresses your senior loved one’s care needs and goals can help you begin your caregiving journey. A plan can help you determine how many hours of care a day your loved one will require and whether you need additional help to ensure his or her health and safety.
- Assist With Basic Needs
Memory and mobility issues can make even basic needs such as eating, bathing, grooming, and toileting, commonly referred to as daily living activities. Check-in often and pay attention to specific signs and changes to determine if your loved one needs extra help.
- Provide Companionship
One of the most essential but sometimes overlooked parts of caregiving is companionship. Feelings of loneliness in older adults can lead to serious health consequences, including depression. When you care for an aging loved one, you create opportunities to strengthen your bond and connection.
- Help With Housekeeping
As your loved one ages, maintaining a home can become increasingly difficult. Older adults may need help with dishes, taking out the garbage, or vacuuming. If your loved one lives in a house, yard work, snow shoveling, and daily maintenance may be too much for them to handle even with your help. Consider whether your loved one would benefit from the convenience and support of a senior living community.
6. Assess Your Care Plan Regularly
As circumstances surrounding you and your loved one inevitably change, the care plan will need to be adjusted. Review it regularly to determine what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to be adapted. Keep in close contact with your loved one’s doctor and other health professionals to discuss any changes.
