Are you thinking of becoming you Caregiver? Are you having trouble deciding is being a Caregiver to your loved one is the right move for you. Caregiving is a huge responsibility for one to take on. Educating yourself on what it takes to be a Caregiver and the responsibility it holds can give you the confidence you need to make a decision for not only yourself, but also your loved one.
Today’s blog will cover the various duties a Caregiver may be responsible for each day, which may vary from day-to-day.
Assistance with basic needs.
As a Caregiver, if your loved one is unable to complete any of their basic needs, it will be your responsibility to assist them with these basic needs which includes but are not limited to:
- Getting out of bed
- Getting dressed for the day
- Grooming
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Combing and brushing hair
- Preparing meals
Assistance with Medical Needs
Your loved one may take medication that may have been prescribed by the doctor their doctor for pain or and illness like Dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is important as the Caregiver to know who their loved one’s doctor is to assess the love on and create a medical plan that fits best your loved ones needs.
Companionship
Companionship is an important because it’s during this time you spend caregiving a loved one memories are being made. Sometimes the duties of a Caregiver get in the way of showing your loved one how important they are to you and that you love spending time with them. Frustration or fatigue may take over you and cause you to become angry and bitter towards your loved one you committed to care for. It is important to remember that your loved one is human who also has feelings just like you. They aren’t capable to taking care of themselves which is why they rely on you. Showing you care and that you love spending time with our loved allows for you to bond and cherish the time spent loving on each other while it lasts.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping maybe something your loved one cannot do alone or at all due to them being wheelchair bound or by just not having the strength or mind capacity to know when it’s time to tidy up their home. You as the Caregiver will play a major part in the cleanliness of their living space so that it habitable. Doing the dishes, taking out the garbage, or vacuuming are some examples of housekeeping that you may be responsible for doing as the Caregiver
Monitoring a Loved One’s Medication
When assisting your loved one with their medical needs, it is important to make sure they are also taking their medication as instructed by the prescribing doctor according to the care plan. It is important to make sure your loved one is getting the correct dosage at the correct time.
Transferring a Loved One
Transferring your loved one may be a responsibility for a Caregiver if their loved one is unable to get up from bed or a chair. Your loved one may not be able to walk, may not have the strength to get out of bed to use the bathroom or to get out of bed to watch television with your family. Be prepared to assist with getting around and making them comfortable.
Transportation
Transporting your loved one to places such as doctor’s appointment, grocery shopping, the barbershop or hair salon, or a park where they may be meeting some friends may also be your responsibility. As time goes on, your loved one may lose the ability to drive a vehicle for their safety and for the other drivers on the road.
There you have it! Some of the basic duties a Caregiver may be responsible for when they commit to being a loved one’s Caregiver. Although being a Caregiver can be a challenge and an adjustment for you as the Caregiver, it can also give you great satisfaction when you are doing the right thing by showing love and compassion to your loved one. It is important to stay positive and have patience with yourselves as you and your loved one adjust to what could be a new way of life. Hope this helps you on your journey of making that commitment and becoming a Caregiver. In next week’s blog, we will be discussing the transition into the new role of a Caregiver. Be sure to share this with your family members, friends, or colleagues who are also taking this journey with you. We would also love to hear from you so feel free to comment as well.
Stay tuned!
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