What is Caregiving?

Caregiving can be defined as everything done physically and emotionally to assist a friend/relative/client due to that person’s illness or disability. Incorporated also, is the care and well-being of the caregivers themselves. A caregiver may be a paid or unpaid individual like a spouse, sibling, child, or other loved one of an individual with a chronic/terminal illness or any disability.

Almost all caregivers, including family caregivers, agree that the role is very demanding, with extremely high responsibilities and expectations. Some caregivers say they lose their sense of privacy on the job. Caregiving can be challenging both on someone’s psychological and physical well-being. However, while being a live-in caregiver is quite challenging, being a support system for someone who cannot help themselves is rewarding.

The responsibilities of a caregiver are quite enormous and they change as the client’s dependency level and interest in activities change. There are a variety of challenges caregivers encounter, including financial, health/physical, and emotional. The caregiver is often the healthcare advocate for their client, managing medication scheduling and assisting with daily care, like hygiene and getting dressed. In addition, the caregiver provides emotional support as they deal with everyday mood swings from their clients. It is important to note that caregivers often deal with a lot of stress as well as the risk of physical injuries due to the demands of their role.

Qualities of a caregiver

Empathy

Reliability

Patience

Realistic expectation

Strong Constitution

Soothing Nature

Good caregivers know how to calm and soothe their clients. People in caregiving situations must often be prompted to eat, drink and cooperate to some degree in their care. Being a voice of encouragement is a good quality for a caregiver, as is the ability to calm and reassure those being cared for.

Roles of a Caregiver

Although a caregiver’s work varies with different sets of duties each day and can be individualized. Some basic tasks remain the same when caring for a client and most especially the elderly. Below are some of the core duties of a caregiver

1. Assess medical needs

2. Medical reporting and documentation

3. Assist with basic needs which could include: bathing, grooming, and toileting.

4. Companionship

5. Housekeeping

6. Monitoring medications with timely usage

7. Monitors client performance

8. Prepare a care plan that addresses the client’s strengths and weaknesses

9. Prepare meals

10. Transfer (i.e. from bed to wheelchair and back)

11. Transportation

These duties are essential caregiving duties, but it’s also important to remember to adjust them as necessary for the client that you’re caring for. Research has shown that as disease or dependency level progresses, the strain on the caregiver also increases. While a caregiver is generally focused on providing assistance and support, he/she also needs support to help cope with the additional responsibilities and stress. Below are some tips;

Taking time away from caregiving duties

Maintaining social connections

Asking for help from others

At PCA we save you the troubles of looking for good and competent caregivers at an affordable price. We also can help train your caregiver if you already have one. Just call PCA, we are always there to help care for loved ones and family.

We are also the best physiotherapy clinic in Lagos & Asaba.

PCA Academy trains and certifies professionals, healthcare personnel, nurses, and non-medical caregivers:

1. Develop the skills you need to work as a caregiver, in Nigeria or abroad.
2. Train your domestic staff or your family’s nurses to make sure they are truly in good hands
3. Learn how to safely move patients without injuries (and learn how to protect yourself from injury and back pain as well)

Call or send us an email for details regarding our training pcaacademy@physiocentersofafrica.com

09073016016 OR 08122559597