Understanding Caregiver Duties And Responsibilities

Household chores today. Grocery shopping tomorrow. While the daily tasks of a caregiver may change, the most important duty always remains the same — providing genuine, compassionate care.  

As you begin to assist your parents as they age, you may be wondering how you can best support them as a caregiver. It’s completely normal to want the best for your aging parents, and you may be the best person to jump in when they need support.

But what exactly should you be doing? And what responsibilities can you expect to take on? With a little insight into the types of tasks you’ll likely run into as a caregiver, you’ll be better prepared to assist them on their care journey.

Our list of common caregiver duties will help you know what to expect as you create a plan to help mom or dad be as healthy and happy as possible.

What Is A Caregiver? 

A caregiver provides companionship and compassionate support to older adults that can benefit from added assistance with daily tasks. Your aging loved one may need your help with the activities of daily living like preparing meals, housekeeping, laundry, bathing and more.

What Are Caregiver Responsibilities? 

Your elderly parents’ needs can differ day-to-day, and so can your duties. Because no two seniors’ needs are the same, the care plan for each person will differ, and that’s ok! 

The key is to familiarize yourself with the tasks you’ll likely run into as you care for your parents, and to know when to consider the support of a senior living community or health professionals. 

We’ve compiled a list of the most common tasks that caregivers help with including: 

Mobility Assistance

As a caregiver, you can take steps to help prevent falls and help your loved one with moving and transportation. Older adults may need a helping hand to get out of bed in the morning or going to and from medical appointments. Ensuring safe movement inside and outside the home is an essential part of care. 

Medication Management

It’s common for older adults to take multiple medications, and your loved one may need help keeping track of their medication list. Caregivers can help monitor medications by: 

• Keeping a printed list of medications outlining the medication name and reason it was prescribed. 
• Creating reminders to take the prescribed dosages at the right time. 
• Cataloging medication information, including details or printed materials with the prescribed medication into a master file. 

Meals And Nutrition

Nutrition plays a big role in staying healthy. For seniors, maintaining a healthy diet positively affects stamina, longevity and the ability to stay active. As a caregiver, you can help with grocery shopping, cooking or meal prep to ensure your loved one gets the proper nutrition.

Related: How To Meal Prep For Seniors | Easy And Healthy Meal Ideas

Housekeeping And Home Maintenance 

There’s always something to do around the house, and maintaining a home becomes more difficult as we age. It’s common for senior caregivers to assist with housework like sweeping, washing the dishes or vacuuming.

If daily maintenance becomes too much for your loved one to handle, consider whether they would benefit from a senior living community. One of the most sought-after perks of senior living is freedom from the responsibilities associated with homeownership. 

In-Home Caregiver Duties Vs. Senior Community Caregivers

Assisted living and in-home care are two common care options that can provide the additional support your elderly loved one needs. 

While your in-home support and assisted living have comparable services, assisted living communities offer care, meals, social opportunities and housing all in an apartment-style environment. 

Assisted living communities give older adults 24/7 personalized care in a residential setting, a social lifestyle and access to amenities focused on senior wellness. 

Assisted living may be a good idea for your loved one if they would benefit from a licensed setting with professionally trained employees who will care for them each day like they’re family.

We’ll Care For Them Like They Cared For You

At StoryPoint Group, we’re here to help you navigate your parents’ care. Our communities are filled with experts who can answer questions, discuss your parents’ unique needs and guide you to the senior living option that’s right for them. 

Schedule a tour of your local StoryPoint Group community or call us at 1-844-275-9990. We can’t wait to get to know you!