According to the 2020 Census, 16.8% of the U.S. population is 65 or older. This age group grew almost five times faster than the total population from 1920 to 2020.
Many in this demographic are choosing to age in place, leading to a growing demand for in-home care services. Whether your loved one needs an elder sitter or a private duty caregiver, it will give you peace of mind when they choose to stay in their own home.
The role of private duty caregivers in home healthcare is evolving. Keep reading to learn more about how these caring companions contribute to improving an elderly person’s quality of life.
Expanded Responsibilities of Private Duty Caregivers
You can post an ad reading “companion for elderly wanted” or search “senior care services near me” to find an elder sitter or someone to care for your loved one. But what will that look like? What are the expanded responsibilities of these caregivers?
People are looking for caregivers who offer skilled services, not only basic assistance. Some people need medication management, wound care, chronic condition monitoring, and post-operative care.
This higher level of care requires additional training and a more skilled caregiver.
Benefits of Expanded Caregiver Role
Clients are allowed to stay in the home rather than go to a facility like a nursing home or assisted living facility. They receive the care they need in the comfort of their home.
A private duty caregiver offers the client continuity of care from someone familiar. It is often a more affordable option than a nursing home for many families.
Having consistent private care helps reduce rehospitalizations and ER visits.
Challenges of Private Caregiving
One important challenge is making sure that the caregivers receive the proper training they need to execute the details in the client’s care plan. The caregiver should understand the role they’re expected to play before entering the home.
Adequate training should be the goal. Caregivers need enough training to feel confident in their role. The agency should establish a clear scope of practice guidelines.
Supervisors should evaluate care plan compliance and address liability concerns.
The Future of Home Care
With a rising demand, the home care workforce will continue to grow and offer expanded services. Clients need someone who can address activities that relate to their day-to-day living.
The elevation of the caregiver profession is very important in this world where people are often dealing with social isolation in addition to health concerns.
Home care services will continue to integrate with medical providers. Technology enables remote monitoring and telehealth services.
The Role of Private Duty Caregivers
Now that you know the role of private duty caregivers, is that an option you would consider for your loved one? With an expanded role, these caregivers offer many benefits to their clients. They are important to the future of home-based care delivery.
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