The Day In The Life Of A Professional Caregiver

More than 55.8 million Americans are 65 and older, many requiring assistance to continue aging safely and independently in their own home. As a professional caregiver, it’s your job to assist with daily activities while providing companionship so seniors can enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

What to Expect as a Professional Caregiver

No two days of working as a professional caregiver are the same, but there are some aspects of the job that you can expect more often than not.

Building Relationships

The core of professional caregiving is building meaningful relationships with clients. As a caregiver, it’s essential to understand that not all clients are excited or ready to welcome you into their lives immediately. Building familiarity, trust, and comfort takes time, which lays a foundation for a strong client/caregiver relationship.

You may feel comfortable with some clients right away. Others may take a few days or weeks to feel comfortable with you. However long it takes, continue to approach your client with compassion, kindness, and empathy. Ask them questions, spend time partaking in their favorite pastimes, and communicate the importance of your role in their lives to continue living safely and independently at home.

Running Errands

Driving is commonly something seniors give up or limit. While many people continue driving throughout their lives, some older individuals find driving difficult because of changes to their vision or reflexes. Thankfully, professional caregivers can help clients by providing transportation and running errands.

Clients may need their caregivers to drive and accompany them to appointments, such as to a doctor or dentist. Other clients may want help with household errands, like grocery shopping. Not only does the caregiver provide transportation, but they often join clients on these trips, offering mobility assistance or help carrying items through a store.

House Chores

Household chores are one of the most common tasks professional caregivers help clients with. Clients have a list of duties they need assistance with, but it’s usually a mix of light cleaning and laundry. Caregivers may have to vacuum, fold clothes, wipe down countertops, or take our garbage.

While professional caregivers should help with basic household chores, caregivers are not maids or home maintenance specialists. Occasionally, clients may need help mowing their lawns, shoveling their walk, cleaning their gutters, or deep-cleaning a room. These tasks may appear reasonable, but as a caregiver, setting boundaries with clients is essential. More extraneous tasks, especially things that require you to use tools or climb a ladder, should be completed by a professional for safety reasons. Instead of putting your safety at risk, offer to help contact a suitable professional to assist with more significant household projects.

Personal Assistance

Some clients with Visiting Angels request personal care assistance. This at-home care service requires caregivers to provide hands-on assistance with personal tasks like grooming, bathing, toileting, and dressing. Personal care also includes mobility assistance, which may mean helping clients in and out of chairs and providing physical support while they walk.

Like household chores, there are some boundaries to remember when providing personal care. Caregivers are not medical professionals. Therefore, you can not offer any medical assistance to your clients. Medical aid can include changing catheters and administering medications. Clients who require medical assistance should receive it from a trained medical professional, such as an at-home nurse.

Why Work With Visiting Angels?

If you have the skills and qualities for a successful caregiving career, the team at Visiting Angels would love to connect. We’re seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to fill part-time and full-time caregiving positions with clients throughout Farmington and the surrounding areas.

As a locally owned and operated home care agency, we’re dedicated to the success and happiness of our caregivers. We provide paid training, competitive hourly wages, flexible scheduling, and many one-on-one client interactions. We also have bonus opportunities and a clear career path with a scholarship program.