6 Essential Duties Family Caregivers Perform

Family caregivers can keep their senior loved ones safe and healthy while building lasting memories. The types of responsibilities caregivers have may vary, but the most important duties are generally the same. Here are some of the essential duties for family caregivers. 

1. Monitor Medications

Following the doctor’s orders is mandatory, especially when it pertains to prescribed medications. If those medications aren’t taken correctly, your loved one’s treatment could be in jeopardy, and his or her odds of recovering could be reduced. Monitor your loved one’s medications at all times.

2. Prepare Food

The foods your loved one eats could have a significant impact on how his or her body functions. This is why food preparation is an essential duty for caregivers. Make sure healthy foods are accessible to your loved one at all times. When going grocery shopping, take a list of foods that could boost his or her cognitive abilities. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

3. Provide Transportation

Going to the doctor is extremely important for seniors, as is attending social functions with family, friends, and members of the community. However, transportation is an issue for many seniors for a variety of reasons, such as vision loss and limited access to public transportation. Take your loved one to appointments in addition to activities and events outside the home.

4. Help with Personal Hygiene

Helping seniors bathe and get dressed could prevent slips and falls in the bathroom, shower, and bedroom. Seniors who experience slips and falls are at higher risk for experiencing head traumas and more severe health issues.  Remember your loved one needs to maintain some independence. You can help your loved one feel more at ease by allowing him or her to do as much as possible independently before you step in. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Des Moines home care service. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

5. Monitor Health

After you’ve developed a care plan for your loved one, you’ll need to monitor his or her health regularly and make changes to the plan accordingly. By monitoring your loved one’s health, you can slow the progression of various health conditions. You could also stave off many age-related diseases, including dementia, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer.

6. Offer Companionship

Providing seniors with social connections can prevent depression, obesity, and other health issues. Your presence can make the days more fun and exciting for your loved one, whether you’re exercising, cooking, or simply watching television together. For families living in Des Moines, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.