The term “personal caregiver” usually refers to a paid professional who works to meet the needs of someone who is unable to perform personal care tasks in one or more ways. Someone with long-term physical or mental disabilities, or someone recovering from a temporary disabling illness, could be this person. A caregiver’s time commitment to the person could range from an hour or two a few times a week to the majority of the time. When this level of supervision is required, the personal caregiver may live in the person’s home and be available around the clock, but more often than not, two or more caregivers share this responsibility.
The personal caregiver does not always receive formal training. Alternatively, they may have received on-the-job training or be certified nursing assistants. A home nurse or visiting nurse could be used instead if more medical supervision is required. Any medication administration, particularly through an intravenous (IV) line, may necessitate additional medical expertise that a personal caregiver lacks.
Personal caregivers have a wide range of responsibilities. Cleaning, changing beds, vacuuming, and other household chores are common among these workers. They could also go grocery shopping or prepare meals for their customers. Helping clients with personal care needs can be a big part of the job. They could help with diaper changes, bathing/showering, and a variety of personal grooming tasks. They may also assist clients with limited mobility in lifting and moving.
Caregivers are also in place to maintain a cheerful demeanor and communicate with those for whom they are responsible. Because some patients are morbid, depressed, or enraged, this can be difficult. Some clients, on the other hand, are upbeat and enjoyable. It may vary from day to day and from person to person, but caregivers of this nature may experience caregiver strain, and their high salaries do not help. Employees in this field in the United States typically earn between $10 and 11 US Dollars (USD) per hour or less, barely above minimum wage.
Taking care of someone is often shared among family members by the personal caregiver. In some cases, family members may be forced to take on the role of caretaker for a relative. Sharing the work entails more than just dealing with the client for the professional. Caretakers may be required to report to, interact with, and support other family members in a variety of ways.
Even the most inexperienced relative caregiver may need to hire a personal caregiver on occasion. Direct family members, like professionals, are subject to caregiver stress, perhaps even more so because they are related to the people for whom they care. Finding a balance between professional and family care may be beneficial to all, reducing stress in the family.