The Best Option for Your Elderly Parent? Understanding In-Home Caregiver Duties

There are 71.6 million boomers in the United States, according to the latest census data.

This means there are a lot of elderly people in the country, but it also means you’re more likely than not to have a parent who needs elderly care. Caring for your parents during their old age is a noble duty. They did their best to care for you when you were young and now it’s your time to do the same for them.

There are a handful of options at your disposal, including in-home care. Continue reading to learn more about in-home caregiver duties and how this professional will help make both you and your parents’ lives better.

Personal Care and Grooming

As your parents age, their ability to care for themselves diminishes, especially if they’re suffering from a chronic health condition. For example, they’re no longer able to make their own meals, do laundry, take a bath, or even brush their teeth.

An in-home caregiver is responsible for taking care of your elderly parents’ personal care needs and ensuring they’re well-groomed. In some cases, the parent might be able to do most of these tasks, but because of declining memory, they can forget to do them. A live-in caregiver will remind them to do these tasks and give a helping hand where necessary.

Medication Reminders

About 60 percent of all boomers have been diagnosed with at least one medical condition.

It’s clear that old age comes with diseases, but these diseases aren’t necessarily a death sentence. The ailing boomers, like anybody else, are put on medication. Unfortunately, it’s easy for boomers to forget to take their drugs according to the dosage.

It’s the duty of the in-home caregiver to remind the elderly parent to take medication as prescribed. The caregiver can also help the old person under their care to keep fit. This might involve accompanying them on walks, jogs, and other physical activities.

Running Errands

Your elderly parents have errands to run and medical appointments to fulfill. This, in most cases, involves leaving the house and driving to various destinations around the area.

Unfortunately, boomers’ driving ability declines as they age. While most can still drive, it’s not safe for them and other road users.

This is where an in-home caregiver steps in yet again. The caregiver will drive them or organize for their transportation and even accompany them.

Emotional Support and Companionship

In-home caregiving isn’t just about the physical tasks. These professionals play a pivotal role in the emotional well-being of our elderly parents. By providing companionship, they help the boomers not to feel lonely, and as you know, loneliness is a recipe for poor mental health.

For this reason, it’s super important to find an in-home caregiver who doesn’t just have the physical ability to do the physical tasks, but also the emotional intelligence to provide emotional support to your elderly parents.

Be sure to learn more about how to choose the right home care service provider.

In-Home Caregiver Duties: A Helping Hand for the Elderly

When you’re contemplating in-home care for your elderly parents, it’s crucial to have a good understanding of in-home caregiver duties. This way, you’ll know what to expect. Above all, take your time to find the right home caregiver for your parents.

Keep tabs on our blog for more helpful advice.