No doubt, the responsibilities of a caregiver are extensive. One minute they’re preparing their patient’s special meal, the next they’re preparing to take the patient for their appointment.
These are just a few of the wide-ranging duties a caregiver is expected of. We have taken the liberty to mention all the duties that are expected from a caregiver.
- Keep Tabs of the Patient’s Medication Requirements
Caregivers are expected to be aware of their patient’s medication schedule. They need to monitor and make sure the patient has been given the medicines on time. Caregivers are supposed to make sure that the care plan designed for the patient is followed strictly.
- Give Assistance as Required
This is one of the primary reasons a caregiver is expected from. The patient is not able to perform their simple needs by themselves. They feel the need to depend on someone who will help and aid them whenever need be. Their needs can range from bathing, changing their clothes, drinking water or even peeling a banana.
- Prepare Special Meals
There are many cases where the patient is recommended to follow a specific meal intake. In times like these, a caregiver can be of great help. Who better than a caregiver to monitor the nutrition intake and ensure that it is fully provided. A caregiver also takes the responsibility of feeding the patient patiently and good-naturedly.
- Taking the Patient on Their Appointments
Another main duty that is expected from a caregiver is to take the patient on their scheduled doctor’s appointments. They are also expected to monitor and stay updated as to when the appointment is due.
- Provide Support When Patient Needs To Be Transferred
It could be that the patient needs help and support to get out of bed, sit in their wheelchair, or go down the stairs. Caregivers can be a great source of support for these kinds of patients who are dependent on someone with their mobility.
- Much Appreciated Companionship
Although it may seem that this is the least important and next-to-nothing duty of a caregiver, their companionship can make all the difference in a patient’s life. Just the feeling and presence of someone who is continuously there to look after your every need can make the patient feel cared and loved for.
Patients are thankful that they have someone they can open up and express their feeling to. Someone who is there to listen and talk to them.
We take it for granted that all patients want from a caregiver is to help perform their everyday needs. When in fact, what they want the most is some emotional support and companionship.
Caregivers perform all of their required caregiver duties with a smile. Ask any caregiver. Even though their life may seem challenging and tough, they will relay it otherwise. In fact, most caregivers say that being a caregiver is a satisfying and enriching experience of their life.