The Top 10 Duties of a Caregiver
Last Updated: August 17, 2018
Family caregiving can be challenging, demanding and unrelenting, but for the right person, it can also be one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences in life.
Learn more from our guide on the top 10 basic duties of a caregiver.
10 Duties of a Caregiver
Although a caregiver’s work varies with different sets of duties each day, there are some basic tasks that remain the same when caring for a parent or senior loved one.
Take a look at these top duties of a caregiver to learn more about caregiver responsibilities and the rewards that come from caring for a loved one:
1. Assess Medical Needs
Does your parent have a prescription medication or need help with pain management? Meet with a doctor who can assess him or her and create a medical care plan so that you can provide medical assistance at home.
2. Assist With Basic Needs
Assist your parent or senior loved one with their basic needs, which could include: bathing, grooming and toileting.
3. Companionship
In the midst of all these duties, it’s easy to forget one of the most important parts of caregiving — companionship. Focus on how rewarding it is to care for your parent and know how thankful they are to have you too. When you are challenged, these inspirational caregiver tips can help you put things back into perspective.
4. Housekeeping
Maintaining a home takes more time as we age and become less active. You can provide assistance to a loved one by doing dishes, taking out the garbage or vacuuming.
5. Monitor Medication
Monitor your senior loved one’s medication according to their medical care plan, which should specify your duties and what times of day you should provide medical assistance to them.
6. Monitor Performance
Look at your parent’s care plans, monitor the performance of their care and speak with a medical professional if any adjustments need to be made.
7. Prepare a Care Plan
Preparing a care plan that addresses your senior loved one’s strengths and weaknesses is necessary to create when beginning your caregiving journey so that you can determine how many hours of care a day your loved one will require.
8. Prepare Meals
Food preparation becomes increasingly difficult as we age. You can help your parent by doing their grocery shopping, monitoring their nutrition or preparing their meals.
9. Transfer
Your parent may have difficulty transferring — from bed in the morning to a chair in the afternoon, for instance. Be prepared to help them move and make them comfortable.
10. Transport
Transporting your senior loved one to doctor’s appointments and other activities will become a common caregiving duty.
These duties are essential caregiving tasks, but it’s also important to remember to adjust them as necessary for the parent or senior loved one that you’re caring for.
What has your caregiving journey been like with your parent? What other caregiving duties would you add to this list? We’d like to hear your stories in the comments below.
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