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A Day in the Life of a Professional Home Caregiver

September 11, 2024

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Visiting Angels, a leading national home
care provider, employs dedicated individuals who are screened and supported by a local agency management team. These experienced professionals will get to know and understand your loved one to deliver compassionate and attentive home care.

Starting the Day (or Night)

When the caregiver arrives, they will greet your senior, assess their needs, consult the plan, and check in on our app. The caregiver may also ask about any current or upcoming schedules, appointments, errands, preferences, or needs your loved one may have.

A caregiver in the morning may assist with a daily routine—helping with bathing, dressing, putting on makeup, eating breakfast, and engaging in other daytime tasks. At night, a caregiver may assist with bedtime or simply be there to offer comfort and support.

Providing Companionship and Assistance

Visiting Angels will constantly assess your loved one’s requirements for companionship and assistance—honoring their preferences and helping to promote independence, engagement, and dignity.

For example, if your senior is low on groceries and craving a pasta dinner, the caregiver could arrange a trip to the grocery store
for the ingredients and help to prepare the meal in the evening. The caregiver could also coordinate activities such as a trip to the doctor’s office, helping with a load of laundry, or setting up a video chat with the grandkids.

Whether your loved one is an active older adult or a person at the end of life, your caregiver will monitor their well-being, including looking out for hazards around the home and changes in their physical or mental health status. If the caregiver has any concerns, they will alert their local management team, who will communicate with you.

Time to Head Home

Before the caregiver leaves, they will confirm your loved one is comfortable and safe. Depending on the time of day, they may ensure your senior is settled in for the night or prepared for a fresh start in the morning. The caregiver will also review the plan to verify tasks have been completed and may check in with the local office when their shift has ended.

A Road Map of Home Care

What does a “normal day” look like?

A typical day is different for each client due to the personalized nature of care. Visiting Angels will develop and follow a customized plan established during your initial consultation. The plan acts as
a “road map” and outlines the tasks and needs scheduled to be completed each day.

Whether you request daytime assistance, overnight care, personal care, or a bit of companionship, Visiting Angels will work closely with you to ensure your loved one receives the comfort and safety they deserve.

Bedroom Safety Tips for Seniors

When you think about areas of the home where seniors experience mishaps, the first places that probably come to mind are the kitchen, stairs, and bathroom. But you may not realize the bedroom can be full of hazards, too.  Many seniors spend at least eight hours per day in the bedroom. Although most of the time is spent sleeping, the bedroom can become especially dangerous if they abruptly wake up and are confused, disoriented, or groggy. Unfortunately, the risk of a fall will increase.

Too Many Electrical Cords

Many older adults have their technology devices close by at night, but cords from cell phones, laptops, landline phones, alarm clocks, and television sets can add up. Keep cords tucked behind the furniture, or get a power strip to plug in multiple devices.

Pet Hazards

Although pets are loveable, cuddly, and enjoy being close to
their owners, they can get underfoot and create a hazard in the bedroom. Tripping over a cat or dog—or their bed or toys—in the middle of the night could result in serious injury for your loved one and their furry companion. Consider putting a crate, carrier, or pet bed in a safe spot in the room.

Loose Bedding

Comforters, oversized blankets, weighted blankets, and throw pillows can create a relaxing setting, but they can also increase the chances your loved one could get tangled up when getting out
of bed. To reduce the chances of a fall, opt for bedding that is soft, comfortable, and fits the bed snugly.

Throw Rugs

Throw rugs in any room increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. The safest option is to remove all throw rugs, but if you must have one for decoration, consider using it in a low-traffic area.

Heating Pads and Space Heaters

These electrical devices are a convenient way for seniors to warm up quickly, but they pose fire and safety hazards. Always turn off a heating pad before bed, and keep space heaters away from flammable materials in a well-ventilated room.

Laundry and Clothing

Keep laundry, clothing, and towels off the floor to reduce the risk of a fall for seniors. If your senior is struggling to manage the laundry, a Visiting Angels caregiver can tidy up the bedroom and prepare them for a comfortable night’s rest.

Home Care Assessments

A Visiting Angels caregiver can be by your loved one’s side to assist them getting into or out of bed safely. Through our Safe and Steady® Fall Prevention Program, our professional caregivers will keep your loved one as safe as possible by promoting habits and easy home modifications to reduce your loved one’s risk of falling at home.

When you decide to hire a Visiting Angels in-home personal caregiver for your loved one, you will also receive a complimentary home care assessment. A Visiting Angels care coordinator will walk around your loved one’s home, identify hazards and fall risks, and discuss ways to enhance safety.

To learn more about how professional in-home care can assist, contact Visiting Angels today at 302-329-9475

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