If you are thinking about becoming a caregiver, you should know that the job can be challenging but very rewarding. While every situation is different, there are some basic tasks that most caregivers perform.
Here are some of the main duties you will perform as an in-home caregiver for aging seniors.
- Follow the Care Plan
When you sign on with an agency, a representative will interview the senior to assess his or her needs and talk with the family. The representative will then prepare an action plan called a care plan to meet the senior’s needs. The care plan will determine how many hours each day or week the senior needs, and how you can help.
- Be a Companion
Seniors who live alone need social interaction. Take the time to be an engaged caregiver and have a conversation, play a game of cards, do a puzzle or go out to the park together.
- Help with Basic Needs
The senior may need help with some or all of the Activities of Daily Living. You might have to assist with dressing, personal hygiene, using the bathroom, grooming and showering. As time goes by and the senior gets older, he or she may need more help.
- Prepare Meals
You are likely to be involved with grocery shopping, either by taking the senior to the market or by picking up desired items on your own. The senior will depend on you to plan and prepare nutritious meals.
- Light Housekeeping
As people get older they find it difficult to keep up with chores at home. You will be expected to tidy up the kitchen after meals, vacuum and sort mail.
- Assist with Getting Around
Many seniors need help transferring and moving about. You may be called upon to help the senior get out of bed and into a chair, get into the bathroom, navigate stairs, etc.
- Transportation
Seniors typically have numerous doctor’s appointments with primary care physicians for checkups and specialists. As an in-home caregiver you will be expected to transport the senior t doctor’s appointments and social activities.
These are just some of the tasks in-home caregivers perform. Depending on your level of certification, you may be asked to help out with tasks such as medication management and dementia patient care. The senior care agency will expect you to let them know if the original care plan needs to be revised with new tasks added.
Choosing a Caregiving Agency
Home Helpers of South Shore is owned and operated by a compassionate health professional with a strong understanding of the needs of aging seniors. Contact Home Helpers for professional management, a caring atmosphere, a flexible schedule and the opportunity to learn new skills.
Call us at 781-585-1244 to discuss outstanding caregiver opportunities at Home Helpers of South Shore.
We serve the following communities:
Abington , Braintree , Brockton , Buzzards Bay , Carver , Cohasset, Dighton , Duxbury , Falmouth , Halifax , Hanson , Hingham , Holbrook , Hull , Humarock , Kingston , Lakeville , Marshfield , Mashpee , Middleboro , Norwell , Pembroke , Plymouth , Plympton , Quincy , Randolph , Rockland , Sandwich , Scituate , Taunton , Wareham , Weymouth , Whitman