Saturday, September 27, 2014

The Many Benefits Of Hiring A Personal Caregiver

By Lessie Kaufman


There has been a marked increase in the number of people that need some form of assistance in order to lead their day to day lives. The average age of the population in many developed countries is steadily rising. Many older people need medical or personal help on a regular basis. Institutions caring for people with disabilities or the terminally ill are also under increasing pressure. In many cases the ideal solution is a personal caregiver.

There is no doubt that most people that need care are better off receiving such care at their own homes. There are instances, however, when this is simply not practical. Those suffering from debilitating conditions that cause them to pose a danger to themselves and others are better cared for in an institution that is experienced in dealing with people suffering from such conditions.

However, the vast majority of people that need some form of help will do better if they are able to stay in their own homes. A private helper will certainly mean that some changes will have to be made but the disruption will not be as traumatic as relocation to an institution will be. The client will be able to stay in control of his own routines and preferences.

Many elderly people live happily with private assistants, but they are not the only ones that can benefit from these professional services. Disabled individuals can also continue to live a normal life, albeit with some help. Those that have undergone surgery or that have suffered from serious illnesses often need temporary help while they get back to full health. It is certainly better to convalesce at home rather than in a hospital or clinic.

Employing a live in private helper holds many benefits. In many cases the patient is lonely and isolated. The assistant can play a very important role in keeping the client company. Families that are not able to personally visit ill or infirm relatives are also more at ease within the knowledge that there is a responsible person that will make sure that their loved ones are cared for.

When considering applicants for a live in position it is vital to ask for references and to actually follow up on them. Different clients have different needs and the chosen assistant should have experience in helping in similar conditions. It will also help if the assistant is compatible with the patient. Many cities have agencies that can provide valuable assistance in finding the ideal candidate.

Living in the home of a client does not mean that the assistant has no rights. There should be a written agreement that details the duties and responsibilities of the employee. The agreement should also stipulate the privileges of the assistant, off times and communication channels with the family of the patient. If this is not done formally conflict may arise at some point.

The inability to look after oneself is almost always humiliating and frustrating. Those unfortunate individuals that are forced to enter into institutions have to deal with many real and imagined indignities. Being able to stay at home and enjoying the services of a personal assistant is infinitely preferable.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment