In-home care givers and health aides provide valuable services to seniors and other individuals that may require or benefit from specialized attention. Home health aides, for example, may be preferred in instances where medical knowledge and certification is needed. The type of in-home care that is chosen will depend on a variety of factors.
How Personal Care Aides Help
In addition to providing companionship, in-home caregivers assist clients with a variety of daily or regular activities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these services are usually non-medical in nature. This may include bathing, dressing, and assisting with other aspects of grooming. In-home caregivers may engage in light housekeeping duties such as taking care of the laundry, washing dishes, and vacuuming. Organizing and planning client schedules is also a typical task. So, too, is running errands, as well as driving clients to appointments and social outings. Caregivers may also be responsible for meal planning and preparation to ensure that their clients are consuming a healthy diet.
How Health Aides Help
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that while it does depend on the state regulations where they work,
home health aides typically engage in basic monitoring activities. This tends to include checking a client’s pulse, temperature, and rate of respiration. Some of these individuals may prepare and administer medications, assist with prescribed exercises, and change bandages and dressings. Other important tasks include meal planning and preparation for clients with specialized or restricted diets.
Learn More About In-Home Care for Seniors
Are you providing live-in care for a friend or family member? Whether this is for a short or long period of time while they recover from an accident, injury, illness, or operation, it’s important to have a variety of resources to assist you. If you’re providing 24 hour care, then it’s a good idea to have another caregiver, companion, or sitter service available so you can take a break.
When you speak with a representative about your situation, they may recommend having occasional or regular hourly care for your loved one. Since you want to be there for them to the best of your ability, having additional resources to assist you can make a positive difference.