Here are some examples of real caregivers and their … She is passionate about disability justice, aging justice, health equity, and aging in place. They can be a wonderful addition to your family by aiding in companionship to helping with daily tasks and much more. 2. But around 4:00 am, one of the resident’s sons came to inform everyone that the facility was flooding. What are the Benefits of Becoming a “Primary” Family Caregiver. As a result, you may end up, for example, with back strain because you haven’t had the benefit of training from a physical therapist on how to correctly transfer someone from bed to chair, or wheelchair to car. When someone is there for you in your most challenging moments, you’ll develop a deep trust. Thanks to Cassandra’s encouragement, the senior began doing these activities and more in a matter of days! The way you introduce the topic may have a big impact on how your relative reacts to your suggestion, so you’ll want to keep it light and focused on the ways in which a caregiver … Having to work a second-shift in caregiving in addition to a formal job can impose stress on a caregiver’s work life, performance, and salary. © 2013-2020 A Better Solution In Home Care Inc. License # 060165-08 All rights reserved. They imagine their independence being stripped away from them. Remember, you don’t have to be the best at everything to be the best caregiver for your loved one. Each quarter, this grant provides 25 family caregivers with 48 hours of free care so they can take the time they need to rest and recharge. Benefits of Having a Caregiver: Oftentimes, retirees resist the idea of having a caregiver. Benefits programs pay families to care for seniors. Share what you’ve learned and empower others to achieve their own successes. This allows family members to take a break from caregiving duties. In addition, many people have had to leave their jobs … There are positive benefits for both the person and the family. They also can allow a client to remain independent at home while improving the quality of their life. The daily caregiving activities of bathing, dressing and moving a loved one and manipulating heavy or cumbersome medical equipment can build strength and stamina. They imagine their independence being stripped away from them. They realized the full scope of the tragedy when they were informed that no one would be able to rescue them since a huge mudslide was blocking the roads. By hiring a live-in caregiver, your family can experience the following benefits: More Flexibility. She still gets sick of course but I don’t have to wonder if I could have done something different to prevent her illnesses. One of the reasons that you might fear aging is that you have most likely watched a loved one undergo the process of aging with little to no help in doing the things that became difficult for the individual. It is nothing to fear. If you or a loved one is beginning to need more aid in everyday tasks, maybe it is time to consider a caregiver. Reply. However, having a caregiver does not mean that. Speak to a Care Advisor Now.Get Your Questions Answered. She has worked for over 20 years in the senior-related industry including mental health, marketing and guardianship. Here are some of the benefits of having a caregiver: Makes daily living requirements easier A caregiver will help with the tasks that are required to live. Consider both the tangible and intangible benefits that could come from hiring a professional caregiver for your aging loved one, and take advantage of this increasingly popular method of care. We’ll outline some of them below. For one, they are generally less capable cognitively and physically, so they tend to need the support of young adults, especially when it … The moments when I can reflect back and see how I’ve helped someone is what caregiving is all about.". I knew that I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. Shortly after, they found themselves with no electricity, no phone service and trapped in the complex. Here are 8 top benefits: Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged Reducing depression, anxiety, or distress The “Official” Primary Family Caregiver is an unofficial title but applies to the person that is handling the day to day of caring for a senior loved one. COVID-19 Update: Click here for more information on senior safety. She is the co-author of, Aging with Care: Your Guide to Hiring and Managing Caregivers at Home (Rowman and Littlefield, 2018). For more information regarding senior home care, click here. It Helps Monitor Health You are rarely trained to do the broad range of tasks you are asked to do as a caregiver. Make sure you know what your responsibilities are and if you feel that you need help, never be afraid to reach out! There are out-of-pocket costs for medical supplies, prescription drug co-pays, home modifications, home care help, and more.. Desiree, one of Home Care Assistant’s caregivers puts it this way: "Being a caregiver is such an honor! Allow yourself to have a simple dinner with your loved one without worrying about their needs. Having a caregiver to help with those things can be a huge help and blessing. As we continue to age with time, our health becomes more of a concern. Now, I have peace of mind knowing that my mom is being well-cared for. If you’re feeling isolated, learn to ask for help from a trusted friend or family member. Takeaway Tip: Find a way to spend little moments with your loved one doing everyday activities that you both enjoy. Home Care Assistance can help you or a loved one today. Often, the presence of a caregiver can allow someone to remain in their own home avoiding assisted living or nursing home care. Although the aging process can change how one might accomplish everyday tasks, those tasks do not have to become unachievable or impossible. There are positive benefits for both the person and the family. This shaped the decisions I’ve made and led me to the life I have today. From tying shoes to preparing meals, the caregiver’s duties can greatly aid in maintaining a routine. Some people don’t want to sit at a desk! We must learn to put ourselves and our health first. Since the average caregiver is on his or her feet most of the day—bending, lifting, walking—there are physical benefits to caregiving. Fostering independence and improving someone’s quality of life is the goal of caregiving. Many caregivers enjoy making their own hours and designating a schedule that works best for them. It is nothing to fear. Identifying contextual factors associated with burdensome versus beneficial experiences may inform policies and interventions improving caregiver satisfaction. Diversity of tasks keeps caregivers stimulated and can make the job more exciting. For those who don't struggle with dressing, dressing them up even if they are not going out raises their self-esteem, especially if they receive compliments from family or guests. We’ll outline some of them below. We enjoy Sunday brunch and running errands together. Don’t make everything about caregiving. Caregiving tasks can be as varied as the clients themselves. If you or a loved one is beginning to need more aid in everyday tasks, maybe it is time to consider a caregiver. In fact, your sense of independence should never have to be compromised. It also involves working with different clients and families at different times. Diana, another caregiver talks about the mutual benefit of helping a client become more self-sufficient while improving her self-esteem: “Other things I find [important when] working with clients is making them their favorite meals often and giving them little treats of their favorite desserts. Some home care workers prefer part-time, some full time. They learn how to deal with dementia, activities of daily living, transfers, and companionship. When my mom had a stroke, I realized my time with her would someday end. 3. Last Sunday, my client was complimented by some young ladies who said she was dressed so well she should appear in Vogue magazine and she was over the moon!”. Once this becomes difficult, you must begin to consider your options. They also can allow a client to remain independent at home while improving the quality of their life. As you can see, there are many benefits of a caregiver helping your loved one. Benefits of Having a Caregiver. Ashley Krollenbrock has been a caregiver for her mom for 10 years. It requires dedication, commitment, responsibility and integrity. The family can focus on the relationship that they have with the individual without letting the daily requirements get in the way. They'll be able to have a little more freedom during the day, and could feel like they're a little more independent. The trust and appreciation that develops is rewarding and empowering for both caregiver and family member. Caregiving takes a lot of dedication and hard work. Once this becomes difficult, you must begin to consider your options. When you or a loved one transition into older age, a great way to maintain independence and routine is to have a caregiver. It is important, in all walks of life, to have a support system or a network of people that can be counted on. It should not be construed as professional medical, financial, legal, or … The scope of caregiver responsibilities can be exhaustive and the benefits of being a caregiver can be significant. If you would like to learn more about the amazing difference caregivers make in people’s lives, read their stories here. At other times the unexpected happens and caregivers have to think and respond on their feet and on the fly. They can be trained medical professionals, able to assist with managing medications, vitals, or wound care, to non-medical caregivers who can help with things like cleaning or grocery shopping. It gives you the opportunity to experience the joys of being a family. Training opportunities allow caregivers to hone their skills. A caregiver can also help them preserve a sense of autonomy. You’ll learn to administer medications and help someone dress, among other new skills. Events such as illness, accident or slow decline can cause the need for help in the home. Caregivers have the ability to adapt to different lifestyles, backgrounds, races, and disabilities. Takeaway Tip: As caregivers, we burn out when we feel like everything is important and urgent. A skill that more of us could use! Caregiving will allow you to build strong relationships. It is greatly beneficial for an elderly person to have someone that knows his or her physical condition and who can monitor any changes that may require more or different kinds of care. Make no mistake, caregiving is hard work. Ashley lives in Oregon with her wife and mom, and when she’s not writing or caregiving she loves to travel, garden, and hike with her dogs. It’s easy to get caught up in your responsibilities but caregiving isn’t only about the day-to-day care we provide. Takeaway Tip: Remember, even if you can handle anything, you aren’t responsible for everything. Caring for older adults Trained caregivers provide seniors with the care they need to maintain their lifestyle in the comfort of their own home. What motivates paid caregivers to choose the work they do? Edith shows how a caregiver sometimes needs to respond in ways that are unpredictable and unexpected: “It was Tuesday, January 9th, 2018. The family and friends of the individual in need can rest assured that they continue their lives while their loved one is being tended to in every aspect needed. Caregivers relieve family stress. There are actually many beautiful and fulfilling aspects of aging. Her top priority is making sure her clients always feel safe and comfortable.”. The Benefits of Having a 24/7 Caregiver for an Elderly Loved One Elderly adults commonly need care services for a wide variety of reasons. Here are some of the benefits of live-in care that you and your senior loved one will surely enjoy: Personalized care Generally, caregiving requires a personal care plan for each patient. Even when I liked the people who were working with her, I couldn’t stop worrying about her. Cassandra from Home Care Assistance has a perfect example of how a caregiver can make a significant impact on someone’s life: “Cassandra was asked to work with another client for a few days. We often hear about the sacrifices caregivers make, but we don’t hear enough about the benefits of being a caregiver. They’re the people who will listen to you talk about the difficult moments in life. Although it may seem that independence disappears with age, this does not have to be true. Everyone will grow old someday. Tell them you’re feeling lonely and ask if you can go out for coffee or even take a walk together. But with a live-in caregiver, you have the advantage of having a personal caregiver – one on … The emotional support of a caregiver can help you to feel valued and supported. Caregivers gain a lot from their role. When we keep them in mind, we remember the bigger picture and focus on what’s most important in life. These tasks can include those associated with eating, getting dressed, hygiene, using the restroom, and other essential needs. You will talk to doctors, nurses, case managers, lawyers, and physical therapists. As we continue to age with time, our health becomes more of a concern. Decades of research and anecdotal evidence show that there are clear benefits to participating in caregiver support groups. When my mom lived in a nursing home, I felt powerless to improve her care. Whether it’s about keeping a check on your dosage or about keeping your medicines safe, a caregiver will help you with all of that. Of course, everyone was frightened, including Edith, but she knew her priority was in giving aid to the residents. Making the decision to hire an in-home caregiver is usually less expensive than relocating a loved one to a long-term care facility, nursing home or paying for a prolonged hospital stay—and let’s face it, it’s much nicer to stay in your own home. Although many people have a fear of growing older, it is nothing to be afraid of. Sign-up to receive our Caregiving Collection E-Newsletter, filled with educational articles, tips and advice on aging and wellness. Caregiving helps you realize which relationships are your best and strengthens them even further. Depending on the tasks a caregiver is allowed to do in their state, learning new skills is just part of the job. Helping others is a wonderful thing, but you also need to remember to protect your time. Even if you do everything right, people get sick and scary things happen sometimes. When my mom lived in a nursing home, I felt like she missed out on a lot of the simple but meaningful parts of family life. They can ensure the home is kept tidy and clean, meal-time is taken care of along with the dishes, laundry is done, and that there is someone to assist in running errands and driving them to appointments. I know what her doctors recommend, and I follow those recommendations. Edith knew she and the other two caregivers in the facility had to take care of the residents and make sure they were safe. If you take the time to think about your values and priorities, you’ll have an easier time saying no to things that could drain you. Do your best and treat yourself with compassion. It was covered in mud, water, debris, and even fallen trees, one of which fell right on top of Edith’s car. Often times, our health begins to affect our standard of living. Now she can sit on the back patio while I work in the garden and we can watch a movie together before bed. The weather channel was reporting some rain, but Edith arrived at the care community where her client lived without incident. Home Care Assistance serves more clients from more company owned and operated locations than any other organization, making us the largest provider of premium senior care in the country. However, having a caregiver does not mean that. As the point person, you will have the right to get up-to-date info about the condition of your family member’s health. Ashley has done legal work for two state protection and advocacy agencies for people with disabilities. Takeaway Tip: As a caregiver, sometimes you might second guess yourself. Helping others is an amazing feeling, but you should always be aware of your own needs to avoid caregiver burnout. Whether it be Alzheimer’s or any other health issues. Benefits of Having a Caregiver: Oftentimes, retirees resist the idea of having a caregiver. She has her Masters of Public Health and JD with a concentration in Health Policy & Law. The needs and lifestyle of anyone can change at any time. These are lifelong skills that transfer to all aspects of a caregiver’s life. Reframe your thinking and try to enjoy experiences for what they are. Here are some of the great perks of having your own professional… Continue reading Benefits Of Hiring Professional Caregivers Get the Help You Need Tasks include shopping for food and cooking, cleaning the house, and giving medicine. Caregiving is an active job. Perhaps one of the most well-known benefits of having a caregiver is that family members do not have to adhere to the strict caregiving schedule. Depending on the situation this can take many forms, from maximum functional assistance to companionship and socialization. Caregiving will throw you a lot of curveballs and you’ll serve in a lot of different roles. People will notice that you have a good head on your shoulders and may begin to turn to you for help. Caregivers perceiving benefits have better mental and physical health, and continue performing their role longer than those feeling burdened (Cohen, Colantonio, & Vernich, 2002). Benefits of Having a Caregiver. Get Paid as a Caregiver for a Family Member A caregiver helps a person with special medical needs in performing daily activities. This allows family members to take a break from caregiving duties. Note: This information is general in nature. Your loved ones may not reach out because they’re worried about burdening you with more obligations. Most agencies will work with caregivers to accommodate their preferences while still meeting the needs of clients. thanks! Apply for the next round, here. Get a free, no obligation consultation by calling 1-877-585-9011 or submitting the form below: The Solution for All of Your Home Care Needs. They imagine their independence being stripped away from them. Here are some of the benefits of having a caregiver: A caregiver will help with the tasks that are required to live. Often times, our health begins to affect our standard of living. They’re the ones who are willing to offer help or keep you company. It is these situations that are concerning because of the emotional impact that results from caregiving. Many government programs allow family members of veterans and people with disabilities to get paid for caring for them. One moment a caregiver needs to run errands; another time someone needs help in the shower or with dressing. The cost savings in the long-term, then, are significant because you’re not paying for those night hours. We must learn to put ourselves and our health first. But when a loved one begins to struggle with the challenges of getting older, the benefits of having a caregiver are undeniable. Another great benefit of a live-in caregiver is that they can often provide better care to the patient. Knowing that a smile on my face can bring joy and happiness to someone else is priceless. These tasks can include those associated with eating, getting dressed, hygiene, using the restroom, and other essential needs. Depression is a rising problem that arises often with age. Although it may seem that independence disappears with age, this does not have to be true. The overall benefits of having a private caregiver include: Assistance in completing daily chores and home-life responsibilities; Reduces physical burden and risk of injury related to chores, domestic and maintenance work; Allows one to stay in their own home and maintain the independent lifestyle they’re used to; Increased personal time They give care to those in need. Here are some examples of real caregivers and their positive experiences with clients and family members. There is no “one size fits all” situation. The caregiver can enter into the home and handle responsibilities such as personal care, medication reminders and … This makes it easier to accept when things don’t go perfectly. Amanda Lambert is the owner and president of Lambert Care Management, LLC which provides care management for older and disabled adults. However, the caregiver is expected to have their own private time during the hours of the night. Takeaway Tip: Sometimes it can be hard for your loved ones to know how to be there for you. The act of caring for another person encourages a very deep bond. Ashley blogs at themillennialmatriarch.com, and her goal is to empower families to keep their aging loved ones at home by sharing her story and practical knowledge. Facing this reality caused me to re-evaluate my priorities. This senior recently lost her husband and was struggling to perform daily tasks like bathing and grooming. Companionship and friendship are very important aspects of the caregiver’s job. Others prefer mornings or nights and weekends. When you’re asked to do something, ask yourself if it aligns with your values. These everyday moments are part of what make up a good life and being a caregiver has allowed me to enjoy more of them with my mom. Contact us now for your complimentary in-home assessment. *Varies by location | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Equal Opportunity Employer | Sitemap, Aging with Care: Your Guide to Hiring and Managing Caregivers at Home. In fact, many caregivers feel that caregiving has helped shape who they are. Edith persevered until everyone was finally evacuated on Thursday afternoon.”. It’s easy to blame yourself but you’re not responsible for protecting your loved one from everything. Benefits of having a Caregiver. This can be of great importance since the jobs and lives of those nearest can greatly impede their ability to help in all of the ways necessary. Caregiving is a helping profession. 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