The Lowdown on Becoming an In Home Caregiver

in home caregiver

The Lowdown on Becoming an In Home Caregiver

When a person needs extra medical care which is not necessarily medical, it is known as in home caregiver or companion care. Companion care can offer all of your elder care needs without requiring you to move in with a relative. Companion care people who could really benefit from an in home caregiver are those with mild Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, fraility, depression or loss of independent thinking. It is ideal for parents of such elderly relatives.

Senior Living. Elderly people who need assistance in performing daily activities but live alone are usually referred to as senior living caregivers. You may come across many senior living facilities or retirement communities. These types of communities usually offer companionship and independent living facilities in the form of assisted living communities. They also offer various senior health care services such as visiting physicians, pharmacy, and doctor appointments.

Private caregivers. Private caregivers are hired by seniors or their family members, who want someone to care for them on a part-time basis. Some examples of private caregivers are: personal assistants, housekeeping and laundry services, personal trainers, personal coaches, and home health aides.

In home companion services. The term in home companion care is actually a misnomer. There are actually several services provided by an in home caregiver or companion. Examples are pet sitting, medical answering services, laundry assistance, cooking and dining assistance, and transportation services. Some in home companion caregivers or companions also do more than just take care of the elderly. Some also provide companionship services, such as shopping for the senior, or travel services.

Assisted living facilities. An assisted living facility is for the elderly or those with limited mobility. It is a kind of home care where medical professionals provide daily medical care. Most assisted living facilities also include facilities for activities of daily living, physical exercise, and respite care. Senior caregivers can choose to stay in their own homes in lieu of moving in with their caregivers.

Senior care homes. Senior care homes are for the elderly or people suffering from debilitating conditions who can’t live on their own. It is a kind of long-term care facility for these people. Senior caregivers can stay in their homes while giving the patient continuous personal care. These homes provide daily medical care, food served in the home, companionship, and daily housekeeping.

Light housekeeping. Housekeepers in home care agencies can do light housekeeping duties. They might need to dust the room, make the beds, change linens, and do other light housekeeping tasks. If the loved one doesn’t want to do light housekeeping chores, the agency can hire a caregiver to do it instead.

Agencies arrange for transportation if needed by the caregiver or the agency staff. If you’re signing up as an assistant in a home care agency, you have to sign a contract agreeing to the terms and conditions stated in the contract. This will prevent you from signing a contract giving the agency the right to contact your relatives or close friends in case of an emergency. Your relatives or close friends should not be contacted in case of an emergency only in case someone needs quick medical assistance or immediate home maintenance.

When you work as an assistant in a home care agency, you’ll be paid hourly and you’re expected to help those in need. The pay is usually lower compared to working in an assisted living facility. But there are opportunities to increase your income. You can work extra hours in order to bring in extra cash. The earning potential is great in this line of work.

You should be ready to help your loved one take his/her medication on time. If the care plan involves a nursing home, you’ll have to follow the nursing care schedule. You’ll also need to report any changes in your loved one’s condition to the concerned medical staff. You should also keep in touch with the family members in case there is a change in the schedule. As a caregiver, you can have access to the senior’s home so you won’t have to report in every day.

Another advantage of being a live-in caregiver is that you don’t have to move in with your loved one. Some families prefer to live-in caregivers, because they get to avoid dealing with the other household members. This makes going home a little easier for them. Also, most agencies offer flexible schedules so you can choose when you want to work. You can do it at 11 in the morning or after dinner. But no matter how long you plan to stay with your client, always remember that your main responsibility is to take good care of your client.