Are You Uncertain You’re Actually a Family Caregiver?

By Geralyn DiGiovanni, Manager, Client Services | November 4, 2016 |

Caregiver in Eastchester NY

Very often new family caregivers don’t see themselves in that role and don’t define themselves in that way. They see themselves as helping out their elderly loved one or just being there. If yourecognize these scenarios, though, you’re probably more of a family caregiver than you realize.

You’re Handling Tasks So Your Loved One Doesn’t Have to Do Them

You might be running errands for your loved one or even stocking up her fridge, cooking some meals, and taking care of housecleaning. All of these things are tasks you take on because you care about your loved one and perhaps she’s not able to do them as much as she likes. Elder care providers could also handle these tasks for your loved one, but you like the hands-on ability to be of service.

You’re Helping Your Loved One with Personal Care Tasks

Your elderly loved one might have periods of time where she feels better than at other times. During those episodes, she might need a little more help than usual, particularly with dressing, showering, or other personal care tasks. Especially if this is a temporary situation, you might not consider this caregiving.

You’re Managing Medical Appointments and Doctor Conversations

If your elderly loved one has some scary health conditions or gets nervous at the doctor, she might enlist your help with her medical appointments and conversations with the doctor. This is something that you might find yourself doing more and more often, particularly if her health starts to worsen significantly.

You’re the One Everyone Calls When Your Loved One Needs Help

When there’s a problem that concerns your elderly loved one, who do the members of your family call? This often means that even if you don’t believe that you’re the primary family caregiver for your elderly loved one, the rest of your family does see you that way. Starting to view yourself in that manner can help you to be a better caregiver for your loved one.

You don’t need a title to be there for your elderly loved one, of course, but it can help you to understand more about your role in her life.

If you or an aging loved one are looking for caregiver services in Eastchester, NY, call the friendly staff at The Perfect Home Care at (855) 855-5728. Call today!

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Geralyn DiGiovanni, Manager, Client Services

Manager, Client Services at The Perfect Home Care

Geralyn DiGiovanni has been marketing director of The Perfect Home Care since July, 2013. She’s responsible for promoting the agency by identifying and reaching out to market segments that align with the services offered by The Perfect Home Care. Among others, she works closely with geriatric care managers, elder care attorneys, and assisted living facilities. Her industry-specific experience includes multiple stints as a companion aide for seniors. She also has extensive experience in the publishing industry, where she worked as an account manager. “I love this industry and am passionate about working with seniors,” she says.

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