Many people across Canada experiencing health and mobility issues due to age, a chronic health condition or recovering from surgery, choose to receive the care they need in their own homes. Being in a familiar setting to receive care, living as independently as possible, brings of course huge comfort and security. Receiving care at home is generally more cost-effective than other options too, as it can be combined with care provided by family members and friends.
If you or a loved one is considering home care services, you may be unsure about what activities home caregivers can provide. In this article we look closer at the role of home carers and how they assist with a wide variety of tasks to make life easier. Keep in mind that any home care service will be tailored to the individual needs of the person requiring care. Your chosen home care company will discuss those needs with you and prepare a unique care plan to meet those needs.
Introducing Home Caregivers
Home Carers are professionals that are fully trained and experienced in providing care services to people in their own homes. Because the client/carer relationship is of the upmost importance in providing quality personal care, reputable home care companies will always try to match an individual carer’s personality to that of the individual client.
Home Caregivers are not medical or nursing professionals, but individuals that can work alongside these service providers to assist clients with a wide range of activities to enhance quality of life. These activities include…
Personal Care:
Home caregivers can provide assistance with all types of personal care activities that can make a client feel comfortable and good about themselves, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. Home carers can help a client with walking, sitting down and standing up, as well as getting in and out of bed. When it comes to eating, home caregivers can help in meal preparation to ensure that clients eat healthy and nutritious food regularly throughout the day.
Medical Care:
Home carers can help clients adhere to any important medication schedules that have been put in place. Making sure that medicines are taken properly and on time is of course top priority in both maintaining personal health and following the road to recovery. Home caregivers can also assist clients attend medical appointments outside of the home environment, to hospitals and health clinics, and also to community centres and support groups.
Emotional and Psychological Support:
Home Caregivers often provide much needed companionship in situations where clients may feel lonely or anxious. Home carers are chosen for their warm empathic nature, which can greatly assist in helping clients to relax and calm down. Home caregivers always try to create a close bond with their clients, which in turn makes clients feel comfortable discussing any feelings or concerns they may have and participating in conversations.
Practical Assistance:
Many clients experience mobility issues and will need help with certain routine household tasks to maintain their independence and a safe and organized living environment. Home caregivers can step in to assist with a number of practical activities in the home, including undertaking light cleaning, doing the washing up and laundry, as well as running errands and helping with grocery shopping.
Respite Care:
Home caregivers can provide temporary relief for any family caregivers. Caring for relatives full time can of course become an extreme burden; having a break from care duties can hugely benefit physical and mental wellbeing. Home caregivers can of course work alongside family caregivers to help maintain the health, wellbeing and quality of lives of loved ones.
In summary…
Receiving care at home is a popular option for many Canadians, and the services provided by home care companies continues to be highly sought after. Home caregivers are specialists in providing a wide range of activities in someone’s home to help clients maintain their independence and physical and mental well-being.