If you’ve never arranged care for an aging parent, you may have no idea what a caregiver actually does.
Does a caregiver help with bathing? Can they make lunch? Can they drive Mom to an appointment?
Yes. Depending on your loved one’s needs, an in-home caregiver can help with all of these things and more.
What Is an In-Home Caregiver?
An in-home caregiver provides non-medical care and support in a person’s home.
Think of it as having an extra set of hands when everyday things become harder.
Maybe your dad needs help getting dressed in the morning. Maybe your mom needs someone to prepare meals and remind her to take her medications. Or maybe they are doing fine physically but are spending too much time alone.
Care can be tailored to what they actually need.
Help With Personal Care
Some older adults need a little help with things that used to be easy.
An in-home caregiver can assist with:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Oral care
- Shaving
- Incontinence care
The goal isn’t to take over. It’s to provide help where it’s needed while allowing your loved one to do as much as they comfortably can.
Help Around the House
Caregivers can also help with the everyday things that keep a household running.
That can include preparing meals, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping and medication reminders.
Sometimes these small things are exactly what allows someone to continue living comfortably at home.
Companionship Matters, Too
Caregiving isn’t just about chores.
Having someone around can make a huge difference, especially if your loved one doesn’t get out much.
A caregiver might play cards, work on a puzzle, take a walk, help with an exercise routine or simply sit and talk over a cup of coffee.
Those moments matter.
Getting Around Houston
Your loved one may also need help getting out of the house.
A caregiver can provide transportation to a doctor’s appointment, the grocery store, pharmacy or other errands.
Having someone to help with transportation can make it easier to stay active and connected.
How Many Hours Does an In-Home Caregiver Work?
There isn’t one right answer.
Some people need a caregiver for just a few hours. Others need help every day, overnight or around the clock.
The important thing is finding the level of care that makes sense for your family right now.
In-Home Care Doesn’t Mean Giving Up Independence
This is probably the biggest misconception families have.
Hiring a caregiver doesn’t automatically mean your parent can’t live independently anymore.
In many cases, it’s the opposite.
Getting help with the things that have become difficult can allow an older adult to keep doing the things they enjoy and stay in the home they love.
If you’re wondering whether in-home care could be helpful for your loved one, contact CareBuilders at Home. We’re happy to talk through your family’s situation and help you understand your options.
