Anyone who looks after an elderly person is known as an elderly caregiver. Elderly caregivers can include family members, friends, and relatives of the elderly. A professional elderly caregiver is paid to look after a senior citizen or older person and receives most of their training on the job.
The type of care that an elderly caregiver is responsible for is determined by the needs of each individual senior. Some elderly caregivers live in the home of the elderly person, while others provide daily or weekly care. An elderly caregiver may provide relief care so that a family member or other person responsible for the senior citizen can go shopping, attend an appointment, or take another break.
Professional elderly caregivers must be licensed and insured in some states. Both online and on-site community colleges offer certificate programs to become an elderly caregiver. Because the work can be difficult, aspiring elderly caregivers should be patient and caring. Caregivers should be patient with seniors who are forgetful or have hearing or other problems.
Although most elderly caregivers are not required to provide medical services, a home health aide may also be a senior caregiver. An elderly caregiver will usually remind seniors to take their medications as prescribed. Caregivers for the elderly may also drive them to doctor’s appointments.
Senior assisted living is another name for elderly caregiving. As an alternative to living in a nursing home, the elderly person can stay at home and receive assistance from a caregiver as needed. Assisted living facilities are for elderly people who can spend some time on their own and do not require round-the-clock care.
An elderly caregiver can help with light meal preparation, laundry, and companionship, among other things. Because a senior who lives alone can become lonely, many elderly caregivers spend time visiting with him or her while also assisting with household chores. A person who provides elder care may also drive the senior to a shopping center and assist him or her in shopping.
Physical fitness is important for elderly caregivers because they typically lift and bend a lot during the day. Bathing, toileting, and dressing are frequently assisted by an elderly caregiver. Aspiring elderly caregivers should be motivated by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the elderly.