What is the role of a caregiver?
As you contemplate a career change, your heart is set on a path where you can make a difference in people’s lives, particularly seniors. You wonder, what exactly does a caregiver do? How would you spend your day as a caregiver? The WisCaregiver Careers CDCP program shares knowledge about the role of a caregiver. We’re dedicated to helping the next generation of caregivers get their start.
Caregiver vs. caretaker
Caretakers are people who are paid to look after a person, place, or animal.
Caregivers are professionals who care for the needs of their clients, many of whom are seniors. Caregivers support the person in their care physically as well as emotionally. Their goal is to work as a partner to help their clients maintain dignity and as much independence as possible.
Responsibilities of a caregiver
What does a caregiver do? It’s time to look at some of the responsibilities in the daily life of a caregiver. These tasks include:
Personal supportive care and assistance
The caregiver’s day consists mainly of supportive care for the person they look after. This includes activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating. Caregivers also assist with mobility, toileting, transferring, and range of motion exercises. They might also help with supportive home care duties, such as general household tasks (like doing light cleaning, laundry, or yard work), running errands, or accompanying the client on outings. While performing these duties, you should always allow the person to remain as independent as possible.
Emotional support and companionship
Many seniors struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can be caused by decreased mobility or the loss of a spouse. Caregivers provide comfort and empathy for the client in their care. They often converse with their client and practice active listening so they feel valued. Caregivers also encourage social interaction, like a video call with loved ones or visitors who stop by the home. Your goal is always to help the person in your care maintain health, mental well-being, and joy for the world around them. You set the tone and help the person you care for remain socially active.
Advocacy and coordination of care
There are times as a caregiver when you need to be the voice of the person in your care and advocate for them to ensure that all their needs are met. Note any changes you notice in your client’s health and learn the effects of any new diagnosis. You may be asked to help transport your client to medical appointments so that your client receives any necessary care. When going to these appointments, you’ll need to keep your client’s energy level in mind and gauge any side effects of their treatments to ensure that your client is comfortable, especially if there are multiple appointments in a single day.
Effective communication between you and your client, their family, and health care providers is important.
Investing in your future with WisCaregiver Careers CDCP certification
Now that you’ve answered the question – “What does a caregiver do?” – it’s time to take the first step to your bright future as a professional caregiver. WisCaregiver Careers has a program that can provide you with the certification needed to be a caregiver. The WisCaregivers team is ready to answer all your questions and help you take the next step. Contact us now.
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