Homecare Training Essential for Caregivers

Training is essential for in home caregivers to ensure the happiness, health and wellbeing of their patient or loved one in addition to providing necessary information to the caregiver on proper care techniques to provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment.

Many of us are tasked with caring for an aging parent, relative or family member with a disability. Frequently, most of us were unprepared for the role of primary caregiver and quickly learned how stressful and complex the role of in home caregiver can be. There are homecare training programs available that have been created by healthcare professionals to help the in home caregiver learn how to create a positive living environment along with providing the much needed technical detail that many family members do not have when beginning the process of being a primary caregiver. However, many of us may not have the time or resources available to obtain formal training before taking on the responsibility.

Listed below are suggestions to keep in mind when caring for a family member in their home or your own.

1) Learn techniques for the personal care of your loved one including proper techniques for bathing, lifting and carrying.

2) Learn to recognize early warning signs of health issues. Also, learn to check basic vital signs.

3) Be sure to respect the dignity and boundaries of your patient.

4) Ensure your loved ones physical and nutritional needs are met.

5) Provide emotional support and be sure you have emotional support, you’ll need it.

6) Know the local resources that are available to help you and the one you are caring for.

7) Maintain your own good health and wellbeing.

Keeping these suggestions in mind will help you provide a positive and healthy environment for you, your patient and your family. Proper in home care can make an enormous difference in your loved ones life and can mean the difference in being forced to enter a nursing facility versus maintaining independence and living at home.

Contact your local hospital, council on aging or community college to inquiry about formal home care training programs in your area. Additionally, look for programs that are recommended, endorsed or approved by the National Alliance for Caregiving or the National Family Caregivers Association.