by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008

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What do caregivers do?

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by Colt COAT of Justice on December 2nd, 2008
They assist people in whatever way need to allow them to be free. They are people who care not only about physical need but mental needs with a truly positve attitude. They are nurse;companion;confidant; friend!
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- You make good points that caregivers are simultaneously operating on many levels and indeed maybe become chief confidant .. advocate .. friend .. in addition to being there for all the logistics physically, etc.
  Your "positive attitude" as part of what a caregiver does is a great addition to the list of things here.
  Thank you :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 2nd, 2008
- I was an unpaid caregiver for my brother for 18 years. I learned a great deal. My positive thoughts are with you Happy Holidays!!
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  by Colt COAT of Justice on December 2nd, 2008
- I was the same. Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!! ;)))
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  by Colt COAT of Justice on January 8th, 2009
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by G_tech on December 1st, 2008
Caregivers need certain knowledge and skills both to provide the best possible care and to protect their own well-being.
Caregivers need to perform complex medical tasks, supervise patients, make decisions, solve problems, provide emotional support and comfort, and coordinate care. Using these skills, caregivers administer medications, plan and provide meals, handle medical equipment, and provide direct care such as wound care and lifting and turning. Caregivers also provide custodial care, transportation, and advocacy. Some tasks are merely time-consuming; others are difficult. Family caregivers also typically manage the household. To improve function and safety for the patient, caregivers may need to modify the environment and acquire equipment and assistive devices

family caregivers require both knowledge and skill to provide care and to reduce their own distress.

www.nursingcenter.com/library/journalarticle.asp?article_id=815783

www.wesleygardens.com/pdfs/caregiver.pdf

http://www.standrews1.com/athomeservices/caregivers_creed.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Caregiving-Etiquette---
Ten-Dos-and-Donts&id=1351623

http://www.providersweb.com/ethics.aspx
Comments
- You did some nice research work here to answer that very basic but often misunderstood question re: caregivers. What on earth do they do?
  I was very impressed, btw, beyond basic definitions .. to find material about the "how" .. that is .. ethics and standards. That last url on the list is an especially good article that I think I'll share with my mother when we talk later today. I manange her "still in her own home" services with the agencies and programs back where she is. We're in tight agreement that it's one part the WHAT needs doing and another part HOW.
  Thank you for supporting these efforts to create a section here on, about, for .. caregivers and caregiving. Appreciate it!
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008
- always glad to help, I guess it hits a special spot for me as I worked in a home for the elderly and I did home health care at one time plus most of my housekeeping customers were 65 and older in fact one was 98 and I really believe in keeping folks home as long as possible if we can as there is so much help out there if a person looks for it and if you are the right frame of mind to do it.
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  by G_tech on December 1st, 2008
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by Scrappy on December 2nd, 2008
I have a home health aid that comes in to help me and her job is SUPPOSED to be housekeeping, cooking meals, assisting with dressing/personal care, grocery shopping, errands, etc. She is scheduled 6 hours a week and works 2 hours a week (and then sits on her butt for 4 hours). Most caregivers are not that way I hope. They are supposed to be "assistants" for things we (disabled, elderly, sick, new mothers, etc) can't do or have problems with doing.
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- I'm very glad to see your answer .. the voice of experience.
  I agree - not only on "what caregivers do" - but also that in some cases, we have those who don't DO what they are there to do. Sometimes that's the PAID ones and sometimes the family members. But it's hard on the one who needs help in both cases .. ie .. not getting what they need!
  --
  I just recently increased the number of hourse of help per week for my elderly mother who is 3000 miles away from me, but so far, still in her own home. Getting harder and harder with each hospitalization, then Rehab stay - but "making it" for now. Right now our mutual concern is to "make it through the winter", then I'll try to get back there in the spring. These days, I have need of help myself so that sort of complicates things.
  --
  Full circle back around, you've brought up an excellent point. It's important to stay on top of things to be sure caregivers are giving care & not taking advantage of those they are there to help. Thank you!
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 2nd, 2008
- TY. I have already changed caregivers twice. They keep sending me people who REALLY do not want to work. I can't even get the one I have now to clean the Bathroom. She thinks making the bed is important but refuses to clean the bathroom so I have to. If I was able to do that stuff, i wouldn't need her in here. It's bad enough at 37 to need the help but then to know that they are not doing anything just pisses me off.
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  by Scrappy on December 2nd, 2008
- I hope all works out for your mom
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  by Scrappy on December 2nd, 2008
- I've had to deal with the US state program and then the local agency they subcontract with re: home health aides for my mom. She's 82. Had been at 4 hrs every mon, weds, fri then a personal aide on tues plus Visiting Nurse to set up weekly pills & do general medical check. Have added a thurs person to make up some hot meals in advance then freeze them in meal size containers.
  Have had aides who said "no" to particular household tasks saying "not my job". Some are straightforward .. like yours re: the bathroom. Yes, that IS their job!! So yeah, "next" person. Some are not so clear. For example, who can do "seasonal household things"? Or outdoor vs indoor jobs? Examples: clean out house gutters, sweep front porch, change from winter to summer windows and vice versa, change seasonal curtains, change filter in furnace, change lightbulbs when fixture is in ceiling vs table lamp, on and on it goes.
  I requested this Caregivers topic be added & they said yes. Hope you share more here
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 2nd, 2008
- PS - I have disability issues also - MS and spinal stenosis being the two biggest variables.
  Sorry to hear you're dealing with disability issues in your 30s. Feel free to share about that too if you like. At a mimimum, I get it that the world of caregivers can be frustrating or wonderful - depending.
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 2nd, 2008
- Thanks for the concern. It's just irritating. The first one tried to tell me she couldn't dust because it wasn't in her job description and now this one thinks all she has to do is dishes and make the bed..yet she's in for 2 hours. I know what they make cause I used to do that job & I am not asking her to paint the walls or even to work the entire 2 hours but I also don't
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  by Scrappy on December 2nd, 2008
- appreciate her working 45 minutes and then sitting on her butt for over an hour. I am trying to find another agency but i am being told I don't qualify because my disabilities are not severe enough. WTF? how sad is that?
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  by Scrappy on December 2nd, 2008
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by Kewl Guy - has gone 360 on December 2nd, 2008
they have caring hearts and give of themselves to others in need
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- True enough .. all then a matter of degree from there. Part time .. full time .. for family .. in community .. paid or not .. but it all certainly starts with a caring heart. You're right on the money on that score! Thank you.
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 2nd, 2008
- welcome
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  by Kewl Guy - has gone 360 on December 2nd, 2008
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by Cognition aka Cog on December 3rd, 2008
Caregivers offer a variety of services including bathing and dressing and meal preparation. They also go shopping and run errands and do light housekeeping for the Client. Caregivers give assistance with self-administered medications and they offer transportation to Clients to Dr. appointments and much more.
Comments
- Yes - on all of the above! Thank goodness they do. It is what allows many people to stay in their own homes "supplemented" by caregivers vs having to go into nursing homes or other alternative housing options .. each with less degrees of independence in exchange for degree of ongoing 24/7 help.
  Only thing I'd add to your answer .. a good one .. is that the caregivers could be those paid to do it .. likely working for an agency or non-profit. Or, could be an unpaid family member, spounse, s/o or maybe even a close friend. (We never know ...)
  Thanks, Cog. :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 3rd, 2008
- Right you are Deb! BTW, I checked out all your wonderful questions and gave you points. This is the only one I actually knew an answer to. You'll be a category expert in no time!
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  by Cognition aka Cog on December 3rd, 2008
- Ummmm .. think that's a good ways into the future if at all. lol First step was just to create the sandbox .. then get some questions in. Don't think those even count towards being an expert, do they? Think you have to contribute good answers! Not possible when still at blank slate stage. lol But that's ok. I just hope folks eventually find the little place and share their knowledge and experience.
  By the way .. out in the general area on disabilities? Check out some of these stories in answer to a question I put there. Think you might have already seen it way back . but more stories have come in:
  http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/927640
  Have to expand the comments for a few of them. Would be good to get folks talking .. in several of those related areas ,, elder issues, disabilities, caregivers, etc.
  Actually, what I've become an expert at? Long distance caregiving! Who knew? :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 3rd, 2008
- Your exactly right, I think people really need to share and receive support, family caregiving is selfless but also very demanding. Especially if you have your own family to care for and an outside job.
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  by Cognition aka Cog on December 4th, 2008
- Wow, that answer form Alwayshope was phenomenal. It made me want to send a friendship request to her. She has a great perspective on her disability.
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  by Cognition aka Cog on December 4th, 2008
- Yes. Not a given. Takes work to get to that point. But just the kind of exchanges it would be great to see here. :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 4th, 2008
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by Tareesh feels like lifes third wheel on December 2nd, 2008
I am a caregiver. We do lot's of things - basically anything and everything a person needs in their everyday life. When I am caregiving for a person with an intellectual and/or physical difference, or an elderly person, they may require me to bath them, help them use the toilet, administer medications, feed them, dress them, take them out places, advocate on their behalf, or just simply talk to them like you would chat to anyone else. Conversation and communication is so important, but sadly a lot of people who need care just don't often get the chance for a good chat, and can be very lonely. It shouldn't be this way :(.
Comments
- Somehow I missed this answer .. I'm so sorry!
  Well, now that I've found it, you've got a really good answer here and I thank you kindly for it.
  Can't even begin to say how much I agree with your last sentence!!!!!
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on April 29th, 2009
- Thanks. In some ways we have a lot to learn from eastern culture on this front.
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  by Tareesh feels like lifes third wheel on April 30th, 2009
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by Firebrand on December 2nd, 2008
They take care of those that need help.

many often giving up their own lives in the process.
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- You pack a lot of meaning in a few words - a skill I wish I had! :)
  (1) yes - that's what they do
  (2) (the bigger than a breadbox one) - yes, to varying degrees depending on likely many circumstances.
  I think it's inevitable that any caregiver's life is "not" regular or normal - once the choice is made to be a caregiver. Think there are different kinds of "life impacts" too for the paid caregivers vs those doing it (like family, etc) because it's needed and don't receive money.
  There are probably other variables to re: what caregivers do - and to what extent their own lives go away. There are some people in life who tend to attempt being "selfless" serving others .. that in my mind, is actually NOT a good thing. Too easily can become martyrs - and - no longer bringing a full person to any relationship. There are others who consciously take on caregiving knowing there will be a life hit for x amount of time but accept the responsibility & search for support, etc. A wide range
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 2nd, 2008
- See what I mean? Barely scratched the surface and still typing here. Er .. thanks, Firebrand. :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 2nd, 2008
- We cared for my Father and Mother in Law for five years. My husband gave up his life and his health for his Mother. Our lives did not exist.I now just what it entails. It took away the last five years of our lives together even when we lost our son there where still people to take care of. I just did not want to go over the top.:)
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  by Firebrand on December 2nd, 2008
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by sagie on December 1st, 2008
Give care?
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- Yes .. for specific people who are in need and cannot be independent without the supportive services they provide. They might be paid for it .. or .. they could be family members. The people they might provide direct care FOR could be: an elderly family member or other elderly person - a child - someone of any age who has one or more disabilities - or someone who is terminally ill.
  That "care" they give - and you answered - is a big capital letter word - meaning lots of different things - from physical help taking a bath to housecleaning to driving a person to doctor appts and a whole host of other things.
  Thanks!
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008
- So you knew the answer all along
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  by sagie on December 1st, 2008
- I recently asked that this section be added within the Health & Fitness section here. AB is a huge place full of all sorts of wonderful things. Every so often you might want to ask or answer about a topic that's not here yet. That's what I did here. I know quite a bit about it and am interested in the topic, yes. But I sure didn't at one point in my life when I needed to do some caregiving and didn't have any idea how to start. So I'm hoping if this category is here, others will find it and be able to ask questions.
  One thing at the start. I asked a handful of questions to get it going .. like this one .. what do caregivers do. I also asked one about good support resources.
  Beyond that, every single situation is different and each person is different, so the Q&A will more likely be people sharing their personal experiences. I think that would be AWESOME.
  We may also see more answers come in with even better ways to describe what they do in reply to this question. Hope so. :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008
- Interesting....
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  by sagie on December 1st, 2008
- How so .. ie .. what part?
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008
- That you would ask a question... so that you could answer it.
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  by sagie on December 1st, 2008
- Hmmmmm .. no. Or rather, partially yes & partially no .. and even then, only in certain circumstances.
  But that's why I asked you "what part". Lots of folks at AB have the "etiquette" that if you ask, you don't answer or if you ask, it's ok to answer. Mixed bag. In fact, that question is out there I think .. could probably search on it and see what others think of it.
  For me, it wouldn't be ok all the time. What's the point? And none of us learns anything from others knowledge and experience that way .. as asker .. or answerer.
  It also wouldn't be ok if you ask a factual question where only one answer is possible (um, like the capital of a state or something) then proceed to answer it! That's just a way to gather up ques and ans points.
  But when there's no content yet in a new category, the only way to get it there is to ask questions. An answer then .. or later .. brings the ques in front of folks to see again & maybe get more answers.
  So I didn't ask a ques so I could answer. I asked a question that I knew some answers but hope others will contribute there. As I write this, 3 have. And I've added mine in comments not in a new pointable answer.
  HTH clarify and thx :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008
- Thanx deb...
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  by sagie on December 1st, 2008
- You're welcome ..
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008
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by Sarah on December 1st, 2008
i think they give things
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- Thanks for giving it a try. You're right that the words "give" and "giver" are part of the word caregiver. But they don't just give things .. they literally provide direct care .. their own time and help .. to those who would otherwise not be able to live independent lives. They help in lots of different ways. Some caregivers do it for a living and are paid --- other caregivers are family members, maybe taking care of an elderly parent or disabled child or or or.
  Thanks so much for chiming in. Caregiving is a great thing so the more we all talk about it the better. :)
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  by debtahals wears a curiosity COAT on December 1st, 2008
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What do caregivers do?

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