Evaluating Your Responsibilities as a Caregiver

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Caregiver in Scotch Plains, NJ

Caregiver in Scotch Plains NJIf you have noticed that your aging loved ones are experiencing increased problems or challenges, you may be considering becoming their family caregiver. You know that this means that you are going to devote yourself to evaluating their needs and ensuring that they live a high quality of life as they age in place, but have you truly taken the time to step back and evaluate what responsibilities this truly entails? Being clear with yourself about what being a family caregiver really means can help you to determine if you are ready to step into this type of role, or if you need more time to prepare and seek out the help that will ensure your parents get the help and care that they need on a regular basis.

As you are evaluating your potential role as a caregiver and determining if you have what it takes to fulfill this role, consider the following responsibilities that go with taking on this new chapter in your life:

  • Evaluate medical needs. Of course, you are not expected to be able to diagnose your parents with any particular medical condition or come up with treatment or management plans, but you should be able to keep track of your parents’ behaviors and symptoms, and take initiative in making sure that they go to the doctor when they need to and follow through with the guidelines, treatments, and recommendations set forth by their medical team. This can include monitoring their diet, offering medication reminders, and providing transportation to and from their appointments

 

  • Physical assistance. Depending on their particular needs, your aging loved ones may need physical, hands-on assistance with some of their basic day-to-day needs. This assistance could include mobility assistance, transferring assistance, bathing and hygiene assistance, or dressing and grooming assistance. Evaluate if you have the physical and emotional capability to actually handle these challenges

 

  • Meal preparation. Proper nutrition is critical when it comes to ongoing health and wellbeing, but unfortunately many elderly adults do not get the proper nutrition on a regular basis. They may not be able to get to the store, may have difficulty preparing the meals, or may face challenges actually eating. You may need to work closely with them to evaluate their diet, do grocery shopping for them, and prepare their meals. Depending on their needs, you may even need to help with the actual process of eating

 

  • Housekeeping. Keeping their home safe, comfortable, and clean is vital to protecting their overall health and wellbeing. Helping with their housekeeping may include washing dishes, doing laundry, vacuuming and scrubbing floors, cleaning the bathroom, and changing linens. You may also need to assist with tasks such as taking out the trash and keeping their lawn in order.

 

The responsibilities of being a caregiver can seem overwhelming, but fortunately you do not have to do it alone. Consider the assistance of a home care provider, who can step in to offer additional support and care to ensure your parents get the level of care that they need and deserve.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver in Scotch Plains, NJ to help at home, please call the caring staff at Generations Home Healthcare today. Home Care for the Whole You. Call us at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP