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Benefits of Hiring a Private Caregiver

Are you worried about your elderly loved one’s safety and well-being? Learn how a private caregiver can help improve their quality of life, doing everything from providing medical assistance to companionship.

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As our parents age or get sick, and their mobility reduces, there are many things that we have to worry about. Some of these are –  their ability to do their daily activities, their safety at home if they are alone, and the level of difficulty they face while doing erstwhile pleasurable tasks (for example, going for walks by themselves). In-home care services or a private caregiver can help to solve some of these problems. 

Here are some of the topics we’ll cover in this article:

  • Who is a caregiver, and what does he/she do?

  • Ways in which a caregiver can improve your loved one’s life:

    1. Break from Medical Issues
    2. Pathway to a Normal Life
    3. Hobby Assistance
    4. Relief for Friends and Family
    5. Companionship

 

Who is a caregiver, and what does he/she do?

Private caregivers are also called live-in caregivers, private-duty in-home caregivers, or private-duty companions. seniors who feel like they are unable to do their daily activities or simply need help completing their to-do list may benefit from these services.  In addition to assisting with some medical needs, they also help with cleaning dishes, cooking, or running errands which can go a long way in brightening the life of your loved one. 

Here are ways that a private caregiver can improve your loved one’s quality of life:

Break from Medical Issues

A private caregiver can provide seniors with more than just medical care. They can help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and even going to the bathroom. This kind of attention encourages them to pursue activities they like, contributing to their long-term happiness. Seniors can also talk to their caregivers about minor issues that they may be too embarrassed to ask a doctor or nurse about. Hiring a private duty companion for an elderly person can help them enjoy life and reduce the pressure of daily activities.

 

Pathway to a Normal Life

Many seniors find it difficult to adjust to the changes that come with ageing, such as needing more time to complete tasks. Private caregiving is a great option for those who don’t require constant medical attention, as it allows them to stay in their own home and maintain their independence. Hiring a caregiver can help with the tasks that become more difficult with age, while still allowing the elderly person to remain in their familiar environment and enjoy the memories they have created there. It is a small cost to pay for the comfort and security of staying in one’s own home.

 

Private Caregivers Provide a Special Kind of Freedom

Most seniors have worked hard all their lives, devoting themselves to work and raising children. Now, that they have time to enjoy their lives and pursue their hobbies, they find that they don’t have the energy to do so. Even baking cookies, collecting flowers, or walking to the library can seem like too much work after all the chores are done. Realizing that they can only manage to do less every day can be very devastating to older adults.

Availing of senior care services may help your loved ones live the life they’d imagined for themselves.  Fetching them books from the library, assisting them in baking, and helping them discover new hobbies – are small things that can go a long way in improving the quality of life of your loved one.

 

Relief for Friends and Family

As much as you love your parent or spouse and want to be there for them 24/7, it may not be possible to shower them with all the attention they need. This is especially difficult when you have a daily job and other family members that require your attention. Picking up a newspaper for your dad may be alright for a few days, but eventually, you may start to burn out. This does not mean you no longer love and care about your parent. In fact, it’s a common problem called – caregiver burnout. You cannot take a break from your loved one, but a private caregiver can return from vacation refreshed and renewed energy.

Private caregivers help maintain the relationship between parents and children because, for some parents, the idea of depending on their children is not appealing. Some others feel very uncomfortable with it, which can destroy the parent-child bond. Having a private caregiver is, therefore, beneficial to both the elderly parents and the family.

Live-in Caregivers Provide Helpful and Reliable Companionship.

Elder care can be difficult, but having a private caregiver can make it easier. They are hired to help with personal issues and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure comfort. Many elders develop a strong bond with their caregivers, who are usually younger and enjoy listening to their experiences. Having a caregiver can reduce loneliness, especially when one spouse passes away or children move away. It is okay to change caregivers until you find one whose personality matches yours.

In summary, private caregivers assist in tasks such as:

  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)(feeding, bathing, dressing, moving around)
  • Hygiene and grooming assistance
  • Accompany the elderly to medical appointments
  • Dispensing medication, facilitating exercise, basic physiotherapy, and providing companionship

 

Benefits of a private caregiver include but are not limited to;

  • Increased personal time 
  • Reliable and helpful company
  • Relieves the burden for friends and family
  • Allows the elderly to live in their home and maintain a normal lifestyle. 
  • Freedom to participate in social activities
  • Reduces physical activities and risky chores that may lead to injuries 
  • Assistance in doing daily activities

Hiring a private caregiver for your elderly parents or yourself is the best and most ideal move to help them age gracefully and have a quality life.

 

Contact our Care Advisors at 1300 22 8822 or drop us a message using the chat box on this page, to find out more about our caregivers and how they can help make life more convenient for your loved ones and you.

 

First Published on June 28th, 2023

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