Wednesday, 23 April 2014

How A Live In Caregiver Can Retain The Dignity Of Their Patients

By Essie Osborn


There are various reasons why people may reach a stage of life where they simply cannot live completely independently any longer. It may be old age, illness or a disability. Many people that cannot look after themselves do not want to become residents in facilities specializing in caring for the infirm. A live in caregiver is one of the preferred solutions and many qualified personal helpers practice is cities like Atlanta GA.

When a loved one becomes infirm or feeble, there are several options open to the family. They may decide to place the person concerned in an institution specializing in the type of care needed. They may even decide to care for the person themselves, although this option is hard on the hosting family. Getting a helper to actually stay with the afflicted person seems to be the best and most satisfactory solution.

Many aged people and others needing care are terrified of living in institutions where they are unable to make decisions, unable to determine their own priorities and where they are most likely to be subjected to rules and regulations they do not appreciate. Having a helper in the residence of such people, looking after their needs is a tremendous benefit.

One of the greatest benefits of being cared for at home is that the patient is able to maintain some level of independence. Because the care is individualized and focused on a single person, the preferences and likes of that person can be accommodated. The dignity of the patient is retained and he can still make at least some decisions and determine certain priorities and routines.

The business of appointing a resident helper should be done with patience and great care. It is vital to insist upon a detailed CV and to follow up references. The chosen person will be sharing a home with a loved one and making such a choice is obviously an important decision. Relevant experience is vital and it may be important to conduct interviews in the presence of professionals such as social workers or even the family physician of the person needing care.

There are other matters to consider when appointing a resident helper. The person selected should preferably share at least some interests with the patient. He or she should be able to establish a relationship of trust with the patient because the very best situation will be one where the patient and the helper actually form a bond of companionship, if not of friendship.

No resident helper should ever be employed without a detailed contract. The contract should spell out the daily duties and responsibilities of the helper and family members should try to visit as regularly as possible to make sure that the infirm relative is properly cared for. The contract should be fair and allow for things such as time off and long term benefits.

There can be no doubt that a person needing daily help will be more comfortable in his or her own home. Resident helpers are a special breed. They can help their patients to remain dignified and to lead a meaningful life. In many cases resident helpers and their charges become friends and firm companions.




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