The Duties of Senior Caregivers

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or if they are simply getting older, they may need caregiving and general support. Some people provide general health care, transportation, and meal prep to their aging family members by hiring a qualified caregiver. Others decide to take on the responsibilities themselves. Regardless of which path you take, it’s important to understand what these duties entail. Caregiving responsibilities can be wide-ranging and tailored to each individual and family. In this article, we will try to provide you with a general sense of what caregiver duties are. 

What is a caregiver?

Caregivers deal with the well-being and health of an individual who requires help with everyday activities. This can be due to the person being injured, struggling with mobility, being ill, or having a chronic condition. In all of these instances, daily tasks can become difficult. 

Often, people restrict caregiving to caring for the health of a loved one. In actuality, it can be a lot more extensive. It can go beyond medical care and can be customized to fit the needs of the person that is being cared for. Duties can also vary depending on what the caregiver’s relationship is with the person they are taking care of. A large number of caregivers are family members or friends; their relationship with the elderly or ill person is very different from the relationship between a hired professional and a patient. Caregiving can be stressful and it is not something you should undertake without prior consideration. However, it can also be really rewarding and joyful. It can be nice to feel needed and to know that you are helping someone else. 

What do caregiver duties include? 

Caregiver duties can range from simple chores like shopping for meals to more involved tasks like mobility assistance. There are some tasks that are commonly included in caregiver duties, such as:

1. Meal preparation
2. Light housekeeping
3. Companionship
4. Personal care
5. Medication management
6. General health care
7. Mobility assistance
8. Transportation
9. Emotional support
10. Financial accountability
11. Reporting and monitoring

Meal preparation

As we age, it becomes even more important that our diet is nutrient-dense. Unfortunately, cooking meals can be difficult for our older or sick loved ones. Elderly or ill patients may not have the energy to cook and sometimes, memory or balance issues can make it unsafe for them to work in the kitchen.

A caregiver may be tasked to plan a menu that fits the dietary needs and personal tastes of the patient, as well as do the grocery shopping, preparing, and cooking. They will have to consider allergies and ensure the food does not react with the patient’s medications. This is why caregivers must consult nutritionists and ensure that all meals are a good fit for the patient. 

Light housekeeping

As your loved ones get older, housekeeping can become challenging. They may need assistance with organizing, cleaning, packing for trips, or general maintenance. In this case, caregiver duties will include washing dishes, taking out the garbage, dusting, vacuuming, and more. Caregivers must know the basics of keeping a house clean and livable. When elderly or sick loved ones get help with the upkeep, staying at home instead of moving to an unfamiliar assisted living facility becomes possible. 

Companionship

An important part of caregiver duties is providing companionship to the person you are caring for. If you are caring for a family member or a friend, your relationship may be strengthened through the process. 

Among seniors, loneliness is a common issue that can lead to depression. We have all heard stories of grandparents waiting all year to see their family on Christmas. Many seniors struggle with loneliness in between big events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. A caregiver can provide the much needed companionship, daily interaction, and emotional support.

If you decide to hire a caregiver, some agencies will allow you to choose professionals according to the patient’s interests and personality, making the bonding process easier. Having a companion also encourages the patient to fight against the illness, giving them a purpose to live for the people who care about them. 

Personal care

Usually, caregiving becomes a topic of conversation when an elderly or sick loved one starts needing help with small, everyday tasks. Simple things like getting dressed, brushing teeth, bathing, exercising, or going to the bathroom can become tiresome. Sometimes, seniors will even neglect their hygiene. This is why caregiver duties involve personal care such as grooming and assisting with daily hygiene.

Personal care can be a delicate topic. Approach it carefully when speaking with your loved one. If you are not the one giving care, make sure you hire someone who is patient and has experience with providing personal care. 

Medication management

On average, seniors take 5 medications per day, and many struggle to follow the correct order and/or instructions. It can be difficult to remember when to take certain pills or which medications have dangerous interactions with each other.

Health is the most important factor in caregiving which is why caregiver duties can include: monitoring medications, tracking consumption, educating the patient about their prescriptions, checking regularly on medication supply, and being attentive to controlled substances within the home. 

General health care

Though medications are a major part of the senior’s health care, caregiver duties can extend beyond that. Caregivers may also need to check pain levels and discuss the patient’s health with their doctor. Though a caregiver may not be able to take on in-depth checkups or other medical procedures, health monitoring and basic care are within the scope of their responsibilities.

Mobility Assistance

Mobility assistance is one of the major duties of a caregiver. For the elderly and physically impaired, moving around can be both difficult and risky. Caregivers are tasked with preventing injuries and helping their loved one or patient stay safe. 

Mobility assistance can include moving someone from the wheelchair to the toilet, helping them walk longer distances, and transferring them from their home to the car. This type of caregiving can be physically taxing for the helper so it is essential to be fit and know the proper techniques.

Transportation

Along with mobility, caregiver duties can include taking care of the patient’s transportation by driving or accompanying them to appointments, pharmacies, and stores. A caregiver can also help ease any anxiety associated with transportation and encourage patients to attend social events and go on outings. 

Financial Accountability

Though caregivers are rarely the ones handling a patient’s finances alone (seniors and other individuals who need care usually have a power of attorney), some financial accountability may be placed on the caregiver. Responsibilities can include mailing payments, filing taxes, and communicating with their bank.

Conclusion 

In summary, the role of a caregiver encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, from assisting with daily activities like meal preparation and personal care to providing emotional support and companionship. Whether you choose to take on this role personally or hire a professional, understanding the multifaceted nature of caregiving is crucial. It’s a commitment that requires patience, empathy, and a clear understanding of the needs of your loved one. However, despite the challenges, caregiving can also be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the life of someone who is elderly or ill. By approaching this role with the right knowledge and preparation, caregivers can ensure their loved ones receive the care and support they need to maintain their quality of life.