As people age, it can be difficult to do all the things they used to do, whether it’s carrying a basket of laundry up the stairs or exercising each day. For many older adults, it’s important to retain a level of independence. But there is no shame in asking for and receiving help. A professional
caregiver can offer hands-on assistance that helps a person with all
the day-to-day activities that can become challenging later in life.
While it may seem like a big change to welcome a caregiver into your home, many senior citizens prefer it over moving into an assisted living facility. With the help of personal care services, you can age in place, staying rooted in your neighborhood and community. By talking openly and honestly with you and your family about the things you might need help with, a caregiver can provide tailored services that make it possible for you to remain in your home.
What Is a Caregiver?
Caregivers offer a wide variety of services that help people stay safe and healthy in their homes. While caregivers frequently work with older adults, many different kinds of people need support services from time to time. These include:
- Patients healing from surgery
- People recovering from car accidents
- Expectant mothers on bed rest
- People with physical challenges or disabilities
Thus, caregiving services can be short-term or long-term. Often, caregivers work for a home care agency that coordinates different services for older adults and other populations. This agency will sit down with clients one-on-one to develop a personalized care plan. If you will be receiving care in your home, they will ask you about your needs, your overall health, and any limitations you have. They will also answer any questions you might have so that you feel comfortable receiving personal care services.
What Do Caregivers Do?
A caregiver wears many different hats, and the support services they provide can be customized to a client’s needs. Their duties may include:
Health and Nutrition Support
A caregiver can prepare meals for a client according to specific dietary restrictions. If the client is no longer confident driving to the supermarket, the caregiver can also do their grocery shopping for them.
Some clients need help keeping their medications organized or remembering when to take each pill – this is another task that caregivers can manage. Caregivers also help their clients remain physically active, whether it’s arranging transportation to an exercise class or simply going for a walk together.
Housekeeping
When a person has physical limitations, it can be challenging to keep up with every aspect of maintaining a home. A caregiver can help ensure that a client’s house is a safe and comfortable environment. Caregivers may provide homemaker services such as:
- Vacuuming and dusting
- Making beds and changing the linens
- Taking out trash and recyclables
- Doing laundry
- Running errands
Respite Care
Some older adults live with family members, so they’re able to get the care they need from a loved one. Respite care is a service in which a professional caregiver temporarily replaces the family member caring for the client. This gives the primary caregiver a break from the ongoing duties of caregiving, recognizing that it is a 24-hour job and can sometimes be overwhelming.
Choose Ideal Home Care Services for Personal Care
If you or your loved one needs in-home support, Ideal Home Care Services is here to help. With over a decade of experience providing skilled care services, our team of caregivers treats each client with dignity and respect. Beyond personal care, we provide:
- Physical therapy services
- Skilled nursing services
- Blood Pressure Management Program
- Supportive care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia
We know that bringing a caregiver into your home can be a big transition, and we are here to walk you through each step of the process. We can even help clients navigate Medicaid eligibility and benefits. Ideal Home Care Services is based in Hauppauge, New York, and serves clients throughout Long Island. For more information about medical and non-medical personal care services, contact us today.