5 Types of Caregivers
When you hear a senior family member or friend has a caregiver, that could mean many different things. There is a wide variety of caregiving services and caregivers available for aging seniors. Each type of caregiver provides a different level of care, from occasional visits to 24/7 intentional care. Your senior loved one may need one or more of these caregivers as they age, so it’s important to know and understand the options available. Here are five different types of caregivers for seniors.
1. Assisted Living Facility
An assisted living facility is for seniors who are mostly independent but need caregiving help for certain things. This level of caregiving is typically for seniors who need more assistance than an independent senior living facility can provide but don’t require the constant care of a nursing home facility. For example, the caregivers at assisted living facilities may help set up medication for seniors to take themselves. These caregivers work for the assisted living facility and are responsible for providing periodic care to all senior residents who need it.
2. Nursing Home Facility
Nursing home facilities are for seniors who need complete care for all of their daily activities. Caregivers in nursing homes help with everything from dressing, toileting, personal hygiene, meals, and medication. Many seniors who reside in nursing homes are bed bound and need assistance around the clock. In addition, a nursing home is an option for seniors who can no longer safely live in their homes. Like assisted living facilities, nursing home caregivers work for the nursing home and provide care for all residents. Unfortunately, there is usually a shortage of qualified caregivers for nursing home facilities, which is taxing on the seniors and their families.
3. Family Members
Family members, including spouses, adult children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often fill the role of caregiver for their elderly family member. Family caregivers are usually not paid to care for their senior loved one. Additionally, most family caregivers also juggle caring for their own families. While it may seem more simple and cost-effective to rely on family members for senior care, it can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining on the primary caregiver without extra support. Family caregiving often works best in combination with another caregiving service.
If you are a caregiver for your senior loved one, know that resources and support are available. Read more about support for caregivers and find extra support for yourself.
4. Adult Daycare
Adult daycare facilities are places a senior can go during the day if it’s unsafe for them to be at home alone. These caregiving facilities provide a safe environment and social interactions for your senior. Sometimes you’ll find adult daycares associated with assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or other non-profit organizations. In addition, families will often choose to use an adult daycare center if the primary caregiver has work or other responsibilities during the day.
5. In-Home Caregivers
In-home caregiving is a service you can hire to care for your senior loved one. These caregivers work for an independent company and can meet a variety of needs for your family member. The level and duration of care are up to you. They can include personal hygiene, transferring to bed/chair/vehicle, light housekeeping, driving to appointments, exercise therapy, medication assistance, and more.
In-home caregivers can provide 24/7 care or for specific hours and days you need. This type of caregiving is especially useful if your senior is most comfortable at home but needs extra assistance in some areas. For example, some seniors only need in-home caregiving for short-term injury or surgery recovery. However, you can always trust in-home caregivers for long-term care as well.
Even if your senior loved one resides in an assisted living facility, nursing home, independent living facility, or rehab facility, an in-home caregiver can provide specialized care to your senior. We meet your senior’s needs where they are at. In addition, in-home caregivers provide much-needed relief to family caregivers and deliver care that’s unique to your senior family member’s needs.
Choose Caregivers United for Your Sarasota In-Home Caregiver
Your senior loved one deserves the highest level of care, and for the Sarasota area, you’ll find the best care with Caregivers United. Caregivers United has professional, passionate, and knowledgeable caregivers that can help with any care needs. We also specialize in dementia care, mobility care, and injury recovery. Whatever level of care your senior needs, we can provide it with excellence and professionalism.
Request a free courtesy visit today to learn more about our in-home caregiving service in Sarasota. We will be able to assess your senior loved one’s needs and create a plan for their unique care. Caregivers United is here to walk with you every step of the way!
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