Caretaker Roles and Responsibilities
Defining Your Caretaking Role: A Guide to Finding the Best Fit for You and Your Elderly Parents
When my dad’s health started to decline my mother was still living so we were co-caretakers which presented its own unique set of challenges! I was noticing a lot of changes with Dad but Mom denied admitting things were changing. She kept trying to get him back to “normal” with diet, exercise, vitamins, and so on.
Dad was resistant to any of her suggestions and recommendations and the more she pushed the more he pushed back. Mom would call me and ask (sometimes insist or demand) that I “talk” to him (aka get him to do what she wanted).
Being stuck in the middle of my aging parents and their different personalities could be a nightmare! I had new caretaker roles and responsibilities that I hadn’t prepared for.
Intellectually I know Mom was really scared and worried but I knew trying to manipulate and coerce him was futile! I would call Dad or go by the house to “talk” to him usually with minimal success. Many of Mom’s complaints were valid but he was stubborn.
I tried to reason with Dad which DID NOT work!
Like the time I stopped by the house and he was sitting in the carport eating nabs. If you’re not from my neck of the woods you might not know what nabs are but you’ve seen them…the orange square crackers filled with peanut butter that come in a rectangular pack with 6 crackers.
Anyway, after chatting for a few minutes he offered me a nab. I took it but also said something to the effect of “Dad you might not want to be eating nabs all the time with your high blood pressure.” His response was…Let’s just say it did not go over too well so I sat there quietly, ate my crackers and thought “Hmmm that didn’t work!”
Truthfully early in my caretaking role I was just wing’in it! I hadn’t taken care of an elderly person before and I naively thought I could just ask Dad to do something or not do something and he would say “Sure”.
Hilarious, I know!
Dad taught me a lot of wise and helpful things in my early years and as a caretaker in his last years. The lessons learned weren’t always what I was expecting but important!
I want to share these lessons so you don’t have to wing it during your caretaking journey!
I have a free resource for a quick and easy strategy to get your aging parent to listen to reasoning. If you want to learn what works and how to use it head over to www.edlaprevette.com and grab it.
There are many types of caretaker roles and responsibilities
Continue reading for more information about what might work best for you and your aging parents.
The term caretaker is used broadly to describe anyone that takes care of their aging parents. There are many different versions of caretakers and each has pros and cons. When you become your parents' caretaker, consider what is best for you, your parents and your circumstances.
Caring for elderly people involves a range of professionals and non-professionals, each providing specific types of care based on their expertise and qualifications. Here are some of the different types of caregivers for elderly individuals:
Professional Caregivers:
Home Health Aides (HHAs): HHAs provide assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. They may also help with light housekeeping tasks and provide companionship.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): CNAs have more extensive training and may assist with medical tasks under the supervision of a nurse, such as taking vital signs and monitoring health conditions.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs): Nurses offer more advanced medical care, administer medications, perform wound care, and coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Personal Care Aides:
These caregivers assist with personal care and household tasks but may not have formal medical training. They can help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and other activities of daily living.
Family Caregivers:
Family members, including adult children, spouses, or other relatives, often take on the role of caregivers for elderly loved ones. They provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, and may manage financials, medical appointments and medications.
Live-in Caregivers:
Live-in caregivers reside with the elderly individual and offer 24-hour care and supervision. They may be professional caregivers or family members.
Home Care Companions:
These caregivers focus on providing companionship and emotional support to the elderly person. They may engage in conversations, play games, or accompany them on outings.
Respite Caregivers:
Respite caregivers offer temporary relief to primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break and recharge. This service can be provided by professionals or volunteers.
Home Modification Specialists:
These professionals make adjustments to the home environment to enhance safety and accessibility for the elderly, such as installing handrails or ramps.
Geriatric Care Managers:
These professionals are typically social workers, nurses, or other healthcare professionals who specialize in elder care. They assess the elderly person's needs, coordinate services, and provide guidance to families on care options.
Memory Care Specialists:
These caregivers are trained to care for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. They create a safe environment, engage in memory-stimulating activities, and handle challenging behaviors.
Hospice Caregivers:
Hospice caregivers provide end-of-life care for terminally ill individuals. They focus on pain management, emotional support, and enhancing quality of life during the final stages of life.
***It's essential to match the type of caregiver not only to the specific needs of your parent to ensure they receive appropriate and compassionate care but to your level of comfort. If possible create and involve a team of support, including healthcare professionals, social workers, spiritual advisors and family members to assist you and your parents through this process***
Cheers Dad! I hope you’re eating all the nabs you want!
Take Care Friends,
Edla
NOTE: It's important to remember that aging is a highly individualized process, and the timing and progression of these stages can vary among individuals. Additionally, lifestyle factors, genetics, and overall health play significant roles in how individuals experience aging.
