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.

There are many advantages in opting for a resident helper rather than to force a frail person to submit to institutionalized care. Such places have to have rules and routine, and this can be extremely upsetting for individuals that are used to making their own decisions and determining their own priorities. Living in a familiar environment is conductive to the mental health and happiness of the patient.

Getting a qualified person to take care of somebody in their own home holds many other advantages. Such patients can be given individual care and their personal preferences can be taken into account. This is not possible in homes and institutions. People enjoying individual care are almost always happier and they can still maintain some control over their own lives and their own wishes.

The appointment of a resident helper should be undertaken with great circumspect. It will be a person that will be sharing living space and many personal hours with the patient. It is vital to make sure that the person under consideration is properly qualified and has ample experience in this type of job. References should be followed up without fail.

There are a number of more personal considerations when choosing a companion. It would help tremendously if the resident helper and the patient actually like each other and if they share at least a few interests. These matters should be taken into consideration during interviews. If there is a bond between patient and helper the chances of a successful relationship is much increased.

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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