Elite Choice Celebrates Family Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor family caregivers across the country and celebrate the work they have managed to accomplish. Family caregivers are an individual, mostly a friend, partner, or family member, that has taken it upon themselves to provide regular support and care to an elderly person who is suffering from loss of autonomy or persistent health problems. Often, this role is taken without any pay by caregivers who have chosen to put the elderly person's needs before theirs.
Family Caregiver's Roles
It is not an easy task, and their responsibilities range from providing physical support to emotional support. The duties and tasks of a family caregiver vary each day. The role of family caregivers includes:
- Caregivers are responsible for assessing senior's medical health. This includes tracking and monitoring medical appointments, identifying and assessing pain points and levels and managing their medications.
- Caregivers curate a tailor-made care plan that factors in the senior's needs and goals.
- Caregivers also offer their help when it comes to mobility and memory issues. Often, these problems tend to affect the daily activities and basic needs of an individual. For example, grooming, eating, bathing, or using the washroom.
- Caregivers are also great companions to elderly seniors. Companionship is an essential factor in warding off feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness that may cause extreme health consequences.
- Family caregivers can also be requested to transport seniors to medical appointments or to the park.
- Caregivers are responsible for assessing the care plan, reviewing what is currently working for the seniors and adjusting where necessary to ensure their comfort and safety. They can also keep in touch with the health professional to explore any changes.
- Caregivers prepare nutritious and healthy meals and help with grocery shopping, especially when the elderly have difficulties with age and mobility.
- Caregivers can also help out with home chores. With age, it becomes almost impossible for a senior to handle duties such as taking the trash out.
Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers
Family caregivers face a lot of stress and burden that may affect their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
- Caregivers often undergo physical strain that is a result of lifting and helping patients facing mobility issues.
- Caregivers face financial strain as it is mostly an unpaid job. They might end up feeling hopeless since they can't receive a salary to make ends meet.
- Sleep deprivation is a common challenge among caregivers. They have to be alert at all times and can't afford to fall asleep before their attendee.
- Caregivers also suffer from depression and isolation due to a lack of social connections as their time is almost always taken up providing care.
Learn More About Family Caregivers
Enter CDPAP, a Medicaid program that provides compensation to chosen caregivers for the elderly or individuals suffering from health conditions, including friends and most of your family members. To be eligible for the CDPAP program, you must be in need of home care and be under Medicaid cover. You also need to direct your caregiver or have a designated representative that can do so on your behalf.
Elite Choice, is a fiscal intermediary for the CDPAP, supporting at-home caregivers and their loved ones so that being cared for in your own home is a blessing for everyone. Have any questions? Call us today and we will be glad to help!
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain management and internal medicine. She oversees all patient services across Elite's departments.