Caregiver Canada

What is a Caregiver?

Caregiver is someone who helps another person that can no longer manage everyday tasks alone. A person providing assistance to older adults or handicapped individuals performing basic daily tasks like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, etc…

The caregiver can be a volunteer or paid employee provided by the health care system coming routinely to help the ‘patient’ in the morning getting out of bed, take a bath and have a breakfast. Later in the day he or she will come back to prepare the patient for bedtime. It could also be a family member, a long time friend or neighbor extending a helping hand on regular basis.

Many tasks and activities can be considered as the caregiver responsibilities. Although the majority of these tasks are performed at home: washing, dressing, give medications, etc… but others are not necessarily domestic chores like driving the patient to doctor’s appointment, social gathering or just ‘a walk in the park’.

In essence, the caregiver is providing physical and emotional support to those who need help to continue living in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

A caregiver job is a demanding one because other people depend on the caregiver to make the difference in their quality of life. There is nothing more rewarding one can do than be able to positively touch other people’s lives. So before you take on a position to care of others, you should first take care of yourself to ensure that you are fit to perform your duties and take on your responsibilities.

A simple rule of thumb to live by, don’t Forget to Care for you. The people you are caring for depend on it.

Here are a few tips to help along the way:

Be wise – immunize

1. Caregivers are more at risks for infectious diseases such as colds and flu. A flu vaccine is a one step defense to be taken once a year.
2. Tetanus booster one every ten years will be a good second step.
3. Pneumococcal vaccination taken once will last a lifetime in most cases.

Don’t neglect yourself – respect your body

1. Tell your doctor if you feel depressed or nervous.
2. Take some time off if you are exhausted
3. Take time each day to do something for yourself, Listen to music, read or exercise
4. Eat healthy foods and don’t skip meals
5. Get a yearly check-up

And last but not least, don’t do it all yourself, get help and support from your family, friends or other professionals. Remember, Care giving can take a toll on you!