Basic Principles of Caregiving: Like all forms of caregiving, professional live-in care is provided with respect for the dignity of the individual in need of care. Communication with the client, as well as their primary physician, other health care providers, and family members, is key to ensuring that the individual receiving care is able to participate, to the greatest extent possible, in decisions about their health and other matters affecting their daily life.
Depending on the level of service being provided, a professional live-in caregiver may assist the client with personal hygiene, laundry, and light housekeeping. The live-caregiver can also help coordinate the client’s personal agenda, including scheduling, transportation, and escorts to medical appointments and social engagements.
Client Monitoring: Because of the one-on-one nature of live-in care, the professional caregiver is in the best position to monitor the client for changes in breathing and inform their doctor of any potential warning signs.
Live-in caregivers may monitor the client’s body temperature, blood pressure, and blood glucose, as recommended by their physician. They will also remain alert for changes in the client’s mental status, including signs of depression or dementia.
Social and Companion Care: Professional live-in caregivers can also provide social and companion care for elderly people who live alone.
In doing so, they seek to improve their client’s quality of life by facilitating opportunities for social interaction, and helping them to maintain friendships, continue hobbies, and engage in physical exercise as recommended by their healthcare provider.
Assistance with Meal Planning and Preparation: Live-in caregivers can ensure their clients maintain a healthy diet by assisting with meal planning and preparation, monitoring body weight, and arranging for pleasant mealtimes.[10] In some situations, professional live-in caregivers will even provide assisted feeding to those who have difficulty swallowing or otherwise eating on their own due to certain medical conditions, such as a recent stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
Medication Management: Elderly people and those coping with chronic illness often have complicated medication regimens, with many taking multiple prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Each medication will require a specific dose; some may need to be taken at certain times of the day or night, with or without food; and others may induce drowsiness or other side effects.
A live-in caregiver can ensure medications are taken correctly, refilled as needed, and monitor the client for signs of adverse reactions. It is important that the client’s healthcare provider educate caregivers about their medication needs to optimize long-term management at home.
Ensuring a Safe Home: It is the responsibility of live-in caregivers to ensure their client is safe at home. This includes inspecting the floor for trip and fall hazards and eliminating or mitigating any that do exist. The caregiver will also see that the thermostat is set to a comfortable and healthy temperature, and make sure that the bathroom is outfitted with fixtures and knobs the client can use, as well as grab bars and other aids that will ensure the client’s safety. The live-in caregiver should also periodically check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home, so they remain in good working order.