We all love independence. It’s one of the plus points of being an adult. But as we age, there are some things that we might not be able to do by ourselves, including in-home health care for ourselves.

While some of the things involved with home health can be simple enough to do at this point, as time goes on, there will get less so. Relying on family members to run errands can get frustrating, as everyone has their own lives to lead, especially if long-term care is also required.

When this eventually happens, one of the ways which you can use to mitigate any unforeseeable inconveniences to yourself and your family is to hire a home care worker.

Having home health services is one of the best and most comfortable options for elderly people who would prefer to live in their own homes but need additional help.

Different types of caregivers.

There are many types of caregivers you can hire; all with different qualifications and qualities. As an elderly person, it is best that you know the different types of caregivers so that you can identify which one might best serve your needs in the home

Personal Care Aides

The most common type of home care worker is the Personal Care Aide. A PCA is someone who assists the elderly or persons with disabilities with day-day activities in the individual’s home as well as in long-term care facilities.

Their duties usually involve tasks such as housekeeping (doing laundry, cleaning the home, making beds, and so on). They can also help to prepare meals as well as give personal care (dressing, bathing). In some cases, they might also help with transportation to and from medical appointments and running errands

Registered nurses

Registered nurses are caregivers who are qualified to work in and out of hospitals. If you are an older person who has undergone major surgery or is recovering from a medical condition, the best home care worker choice is probably a registered nurse.

This is an individual who can assist with rehabilitation and post-treatment care requirements, such as exercise, diet, medication, and nutrition. Registered nurses are usually recommended as follow-up care after you have been discharged from a hospital or care facility, or when you require long-term health care.

Home health aides

Like personal care aides, home health aides give you excellent care and assistance within the home. The only difference between them is that home health aides have training and licensing which is state-approved and means that they are capable of identifying and recognizing symptoms that are undesirable in their patients. This means they can get you the help which you need quickly.

Physical therapists

As mobility becomes an issue, you might need a physical therapist on standup. This is a professional person who can work with any individual who is experiencing difficulties moving around their environment. These professionals provide specialty services for elderly people who have undergone joint replacement surgery. Their role is to make sure that you can move safely around in your home and in your community.

Occupational therapists

Occupational therapists are professionals who specialize in helping elderly people who are cognitively impaired and require helping to look after themselves.

Speech-language pathologists

Specializing in assisting seniors who have had a stroke and may experience difficulties speaking or swallowing.

Medical social workers

These people help elderly people by showing them how to use community resources as well as training families in how to cope with age-related illnesses.

Although these roles have different titles, these professionals all have one thing in common. Their job is to make life easier and to improve quality for seniors.

What are the caregiver’s roles?

Care workers ensure that seniors have as easy a life as is possible in their homes. They will help seniors to take medication, in their day-to-day chores, assist with errands and be a platonic companion if they need someone to talk with. One of their roles is to help you to see the silver living when age-related problems get you down as they can sometimes.

While it is their duty to ensure that you live in a caring and safe environment, they must also respect and promote your choices provided that these choices don’t put your health or life at risk.

Benefits of having a caregiver

The benefits of having a caregiver are many. Apart from the fact that you will have a professional person looking after your health and personal care within your home, you will also know that you are not alone.