When an aging loved one develops a long-term health condition—such as dementia—they will likely require ongoing help to maintain a good quality of life. If you’re in this situation, you might consider becoming a caregiver for your family member. However, if you’re new to the experience, it’s important to understand all that this responsibility entails. To help you prepare for this transition, here are a few common tasks that are associated with caregiving for the elderly.

5 Common Elderly Caregiver Tasks

1. Medical Support

Seniors that require continued assistance generally need ongoing medical care to manage and delay the effects of their condition. Caregivers will oversee these responsibilities, which may include dispensing medications, assisting with physical therapy, tending to wounds, and maintaining communication with health care providers.

2. Personal Care

Individuals with disabilities may not have the capacity to perform many standard activities of daily life, such as housekeeping, bathing, and preparing healthy meals. Caregivers will take care of these needs to ensure their family member lives cleanly and comfortably.

3. Transportation

While your loved one may be aging-in-place, they will often need assistance getting to and from certain places. As their caregiver, you can expect to provide transportation, especially to doctor’s appointments. You might also help by running errands, such as going to the grocery store.

4. Sustain Safety

There are many conditions associated with aging that can impair safety. For example, those with dementia may have trouble remembering they left the stove on or wander away from the home. People with physical disabilities, on the other hand, may need extra assistance to avoid falling. Caregivers should address these needs on a case-by-case basis to create a safe living environment.

5. Companionship

When a senior’s health prevents them from enjoying social activities, it’s common for them to experience isolation. Over time, this isolation can contribute to depression and worsen cognitive decline, especially among those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. As a caregiver, you can help prevent these outcomes by providing ongoing companionship to your loved one. Whether you’re talking, playing cards, or walking outside, your support will help them remain mentally engaged.

Even if you’re fully prepared for the caregiving experience, its demands can lead to burnout that impairs your health, as well as the wellness of your loved one. That’s why Deer Valley Home Health Services connects Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, families with qualified caregivers for extra support. Understanding that every client is different, this compassionate team will find a professional that can tend to your loved one’s medical and personal care needs. They also offer a wide range of flexibility to accommodate your schedule. For more information on these nurse visits, visit this senior home health care provider online or call (314) 355-3679.