What Family Caregivers Can Learn at a First Aid Class

By Geralyn DiGiovanni, Manager, Client Services | March 17, 2016 |

Caregiver in Ossining NY

For many professions, a first aid class is required as a part of training. For people who work directly with others where there is a possibility that someone may need immediate basic care, first aid training is important to have. Professionals such as teachers, lifeguards, and hospital staff all receive first aid training as a part of their job, but what about family caregivers? In many cases, family caregivers will be the first people to respond to their elderly loved ones in the event of a health crises before they can be seen by a medical professional. For this reason, it is a great idea for family caregivers to take a first aid class and get certification. Many community centers and hospitals offer first aid classes at a reasonable price. First aid classes may only take up a few hours of your time, but they can provide you with valuable information that could keep your loved one safe and even save a life. Here are just a few of the many important things you can learn at a first aid class:

How to Apply a Bandage or Splint

Since elderly adults are at a high risk for falls and for suffering injuries from those falls, it is a great idea for family caregivers to know how to splint a broken or fractured body part. Proper splinting can prevent an injury from escalating. In addition, knowing how to apply a bandage is important, too. Elderly adults have thinning skin that can be more susceptible to cuts and scrapes leading to excessive bleeding. When a family caregiver knows how to apply a bandage, they can help prevent blood loss on the way to the emergency room or doctor’s office and infection.

What to do When an Elderly Adult is Exposed to Extreme Temperatures

Elderly adults are at a higher risk for hypothermia and frostbite in the winter and heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps in the summer. These conditions can lead to serious medical conditions, which is why it is important for family caregivers to respond them quickly and appropriately.

How to Properly Move a Person Who is Hurt or in Danger

There are correct and incorrect ways to move a person who is injured or in danger. Lifting or moving a person incorrectly can result in more serious injuries which is why it is important for family caregivers to know just what to do when faced with this situation.

Remember, these are just a few of the very useful things family caregivers can learn from a first aid class. To learn more details about first aid education, contact your local community center or hospital.

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

Source: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10499

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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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