Being a Caregiver

What is a caregiver?

A caregiver provides care, generally in the home environment, for an aging parent, spouse, other relative, or unrelated person, or for an ill or disabled person of any age, including a child. A caregiver can be a family member, friend, volunteer, or a paid professional.

If you fit the description of a family, or informal, caregiver, you are not alone. According to a 1996 survey by the National Association for Home Care, an estimated 22 million US households have at least one member who provides some level of unpaid care to a relative or other person over age 50. Three-fourths of these caregivers are female and nearly one-third are over age 65.

Family member or a private caregiver: What should be considered?

Caring for an ill, aging, or disabled person can be a rewarding experience. However, depending on the level of care required and other demands on the caregiver's time and energy, it can also become an overwhelming responsibility. When this occurs, it may be time to explore other home health care options, such as hiring a private caregiver. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering a private caregiver:

• How much time is required to help care for the individual at home? Is this likely to increase or decrease over time?
• What skill level is necessary to provide the best care for the individual at home?
• Are family members and friends capable of providing the necessary care without any one individual becoming overburdened?
• How does the ill, aging, or disabled individual feel about having a private caregiver assist with his/her care? Is he/she comfortable with the idea of a private caregiver? Does he/she understand the caregiver's need for care assistance?

If the decision is made to hire a private caregiver, you will want to explore many options. Consider the following questions in your search for appropriate care:

• What services would be required of the caregiver? (Try writing a job description outlining exactly what would be expected of a caregiver.)
• Is the individual employed by an agency or organization licensed by the state?
• What specific services will the caregiver provide, and will these services match your job description?
• Will the patient's Medicare pay for the service? If not, determine exactly how services will be paid.
• What are the qualifications of the person or persons rendering care?
• Will the same person or persons always be available, or will it be necessary to adjust to many different caregivers?
• Does the agency or organization offer flexibility, making care available on weekends, at nights, and on holidays, for example?
• How does the agency or organization ensure that its employees treat their patients and patient families with respect?