Caregiver Roles & Responsiblities

Have you ever ponder all the caregiving entails? Many people underestimate what is involved in providing compassionate care. People tend think about the more tangible aspects of caregiving because that is what is more often written about. For example, according to the Pfizer Journal entitled A Profile of Caregiving in America (2005), over 80% of caregivers provide assistance with daily living activities, such as providing transportation, grocery shopping and other essentials, housekeeping, managing finances, preparing meals, dispensing medications and more.In addition to performing tasks, caregivers also serve in many different roles. Some of the more common roles include:

ADVISOR – Offering recommendations to help a loved one identify potential challenges, talking about concerns, sharing information and considering alternatives that may help to maximize his or her independence and quality of life.
ADVOCATE – Looking out for a loved one’s best interests as an authorized agent (e.g., Power of Attorney). Ensuring the person you serve gets the information, care, support and treatment he or she needs and deserves.
COORDINATOR – Arranging for services, such as professional caregiving, physical therapy, lawn mowing, snow removal and heating/air conditioning repair, scheduling appointments, coordinating deliveries, helping to facilitate end-of-life planning and more.
EVALUATOR – Assessing a loved one’s ability to live independently, handle his or her own personal care, manage medications, operate a motor vehicle and more. Also, identifying and evaluating appropriate programs and services that best match a care receiver’s needs and wishes.
MEDIATOR – Helping family members and others communicate with health care and social service providers, make decisions and resolve issues in a positive and helpful manner.
PROTECTOR – Taking charge when necessary to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of a loved one.
PROVIDER – Providing assistance when a loved one is not able to care for him or herself due to physical or cognitive limitations. Assistance often addresses the following types of needs:
- EMOTIONAL – Listening and responding to concerns, providing encouragement and moral support, and simply being there for someone.
- FINANCIAL – Organizing bills, writing checks, balancing the checkbook, and providing money to help cover expenses.
- PHYSICAL – Assisting with daily living activities, including personal care, household chores, meals, driving, etc.
- SOCIAL – Maintaining regular contact and minimizing isolation and boredom through relationship and keeping loved ones “in the loop”.
- SPIRITUAL – Helping people find meaning and purpose in life, maintaining hope, coping and finding peace through prayer, meditation and cultural and religious preferences.

If you are interested in udnerstanding more about the spiritual side of caregiving you might enjoy Charles Puchta's book entitled CARE For One Another. The book explores biblical caregiving principles from a Christian perspective.