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Who is on the team? -

As each patient and family has different needs, a dedicated team is assigned to each specific patient. The team works closely to create a care plan driven by the needs and wishes of the patient and family.

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Why do people need professional care? -

Professional care provides comfort and quality of life for a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life.

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Why do people need professional care? -

Caregivers for the elderly help with the senior's daily tasks and activities. An aging loved one may need a caregiver because of an injury, mobility or memory issue, illness, or a chronic condition.

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Nursing home -

Care can be provided at different places, depending on the needs of the patient. Nursing homes are intended to provide care for a longer period for older people. Nursing home patients generally have mobility issues, problems taking care of themselves, or memory impairment.

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Home care -

Home care is a more private option that allows your loved one to remain in their own home. It's also a good option if individuals can still somewhat care for themselves.

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Hospices -

A hospice is intended to be end-of-life care. To enter one, a patient must be referred by a physician who believes they have six months or less to live.

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What to expect of a caregiver? -

A caregiver's job can change at any moment. One day they may be shopping for groceries with the senior, and the following week they made need to help that senior move from their bed to a chair because even standing can be challenging. The following slides will further introduce what to expect from their job.

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Assess medical needs -

Checking on someone's health is an important caregiver responsibility. They may need to help keep track of medical appointments, manage medications and chronic conditions, or assess pain levels. This needs to be regularly discussed with health professionals.

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Create a care plan -

A care plan addresses the person's needs and goals. A plan can also help the caregiver determine how many hours of care they need and whether additional help will be required.

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Assist with basic needs -

Memory loss and mobility issues can make even basic needs, such as eating and grooming, difficult. Caregivers need to often do check-ins to see if the patient needs extra help.

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Help with housekeeping -

Maintaining a home can become increasingly difficult for older and sick people. They may need help with the dishes, cleaning the house, and taking out the garbage. The convenience and support of a caregiver can be of great help.

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Provide companionship -

Companionship is one of the most essential and overlooked parts of caregiving. Especially in older adults, feelings of loneliness can lead to serious health issues, such as depression. Caregivers create opportunities for bonding and connection. 

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Develop a meal plan -

Caregivers are trained to handle any interactions that specific foods may have with medications. Creating highly nutritious meal plans is just one of many caregiver responsibilities.

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Monitor medications -

Older adults often take several prescription medications to treat chronic conditions. A caregiver can help with keeping track of their medication list, understanding drug interactions, and taking prescribed dosages at the correct time.

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Assess your care plan regularly -

As the circumstances of the person needing care change, the care plan will need to be adjusted. It should be regularly reviewed to determine what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to be adapted.

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Cook meals -

Cooking can become increasingly difficult with age and health decline. Individuals may not have the energy and/or motivation to cook. A caregiver can help to prepare meals.

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Assist with transfer and mobility -

It's common for an older or ill person to struggle when it comes to moving or transferring. A caregiver can help them out and prevent falls.

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Financial accountability -

Seniors are likely to have someone as power of attorney, but some support tasks can be assigned to a caregiver. These may include mailing a utility payment and preparing taxes. The caregiver responsible should be trusted, capable, and pass a background check.

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The family will feel supported -

It can be difficult for a family member to come to terms with the fact that their loved one needs extra help. Many don't know how to cope with the situation. However, a caregiver is available for both patient and family support. They provide education, ideas, and methods to make family life easier.

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Fitness aid -

As a senior's mobility can prevent them from participating in certain activities, it's important for a caregiver to help them with light exercises. They'll work with each person’s limitations and provide appropriate movements and exercise routines.

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Help with personal hygiene -

Getting assistance with bathing, using the toilet, and combing their hair may be necessary. A good caregiver will help out with this.

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Aid with memory care -

In the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, patients may struggle. They may become more forgetful and agitated due to confusion. This can make family members feel guilty, as they can't be there round the clock. A designated caretaker can allow family members to feel at ease, as the patient will be constantly supervised and cared for.

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Keep track of nutrition -

Following a healthy and balanced diet is incredibly important for seniors and people with an illness. A caregiver has the duty to make sure their dietary needs are being met.

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Helping with their pet -

Walking their dog or filling their cat's food bowl can be a difficult task for a senior. However, having a pet has shown to significantly increase life quality and fight off depression, especially with elders who often feel isolated. Helping to care for their pet can be a valuable part of a caregiver's duties.

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Provide transportation -

Public transportation or driving may no longer be safe options. Senior transportation alternatives can be provided to help them get to doctor’s appointments and other activities.

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Do their shopping -

For seniors, shopping can sometimes be impossible to do alone or at all. Grocery help or general errands to the store meet important needs for them.

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The benefits and rewards of caregiving -

Keeping someone healthy and happy is hard work. But it can be extremely rewarding for both the person needing care and the caregiver.

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The benefits and rewards of caregiving -

At the end of the day, it's about human contact, which can create a deep bond that lasts a lifetime, however long that may be.

Sources: (Care.com) (CareLink) 

See also: The surprising health benefits of owning a pet

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