What is Caregiving?

Linda Slota, Director, Webster MA Senior Center

What is Caregiving?

It is providing care for the physical and emotional needs of a family member or friend at home.

Patients Need Different Types of Care 

Caregiving may involve helping with medical procedures and therapy, assisting with meals, personal care and transportation. It may be just a few hours weekly or many hours each day.

Why Should I Learn About Caregiving? 

Because learning about it can make your job as a caregiver easier. For example:

Physically - using the proper techniques and equipment can make some tasks much easier.
Mentally - giving care demands a lot of thought. Learning to plan ahead and use your time   efficiently is vital.
Emotionally - Caregivers can easily feel isolated and frustrated. Understanding the challenges of caregiving is the first step in meeting them.

The Role of a Caregiver

Assisting the Health-Care Team - Patient care may depend on physicians, nurses, physical, speech and occupational therapists, health aides, social workers, hospice volunteers and other health professionals 

Some Responsibilities of Caregivers

Help Make Decisions - pThey may assist the patient and health care team with decisions on care and other issues.

Recruit Help - Finding the right services for a patient's care is crucial. A caregiver may help with this task or be fully responsible for it.

Encourage the Patient - Allowing the patient to do as much a possible for him or herself is important. It helps the person to feel valuable and in control.

Caregivers are Responsible for Their Own Health, Too - Because caregiving can be an exhausting job, it is especially important for caregivers to maintain good mental and physical health.

Preparing a Patient's Home

General Precautions - Make arragements for:

Fire Safety:

• Install smoke alarms and check fire extinguishers. 
• Make escape plans that the patient can manage
• Hold regular fire drills and keep emergency numbers by the phone

Mobility:

• If necessary, install ramps over stairs
• Check door widths to allow for wheelchair
• Remove throw rugs that slip
• Keep walkways open
• Move furniture that might tip easily if used for support

Special Projects: Here are a few to consider:  

• Special handles for brushes, pots, cups, etc.
• Levers for doors instead of knobs
• A transfer board to help getting in and out of bed, a car, etc.
• Walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc. Check with the patient's health care provider

Bedroom: The patient may need:

• A phone, intercom or other communication system.
• A special bed or linens
• A night light in the room and in the hallway
• An overbed table for eating, reading, etc.

Bathroom: Consider:

• Toilet height - a raised seat makes sitting easier
• Grab bar - these are helpful near the toilet and tub