Caregivers: Helping Older Adults Live Independent, Safe Lives

Article submitted by Caregiver Connection of Jewish Family & Children's Service.
For more information, they can be reached at 412-422-0400.

There is a growing trend toward older adults wanting to remain in their homes for as long as possible. However, with the infirmities that many older adults experience with aging, it is often difficult for them to remain in their homes independently and safely without additional support.

Home-based care is a suitable solution that can help meet the short- and long-term needs of an older adult. Caregivers provide a range of services, from personal care and light housekeeping to round-the-clock nursing care.

Some key factors to consider when searching for a caregiver include identifying the amount of caregiver services needed, affordability, compatibility, 24/7 backup service if the caregiver is ill or on vacation, a background check, training and qualifications of the caregiver. For older adults who suffer from infirmities that require medical supervision and follow a treatment plan, a caregiver with medical qualifications and training should be considered.

For some, the process of securing a caregiver may be overwhelming and programs like the Caregiver Connection administered by Jewish Family & Children's Service are a blessing. The Caregiver Connection provides an assessment of the consumer (older adult) and identifies caregivers that match their individual care needs. Clients are matched with a caregiver that has gone through a stringent interview and background check and receives ongoing training on home support competency, fire and safety practices, abuse reporting, hygienic methods or care, confidentiality and protecting the consumer's dignity. Clients negotiate a rate with the caregiver and JF&CS receives a nominal fee per hour paid.

Maintaining dignity is a crucial part of aging, and finding a trusted and experienced caregiver that will enable this for their client should be first and foremost in a caregiver search.