What Are Caregivers?

A parent is a caregiver. So is a spouse who provides assistance to an ill or disabled partner. A 15-year-old babysitter is a caregiver. The staff at the day care center are caregivers. These are broad uses of the term caregiver, being one who provides care. The more specific definition of a caregiver, as provided by "The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English" states a caregiver is a paid person or family member who provides regular care for a child or ill, disabled or elderly person.

Choosing a Home Caregiver

• Diligent research done before hiring a caregiver for a child or adult proves to help prevent unforeseen problems in the future. Hiring through an agency licensed to provide caregivers is one possible route to finding a caregiver. Whether you hire a private individual or go through an agency, it is important to obtain references for the person under consideration. Contact the references, other people who have used this caregiver, to obtain firsthand information.

Choosing a Commercial Caregiver

• When considering choosing a commercial caregiver such as a day care center or long-term care facility, look for state-mandated licenses and any accreditations or commendations the business may have received. Visit the potential facility more than once, and at different times of the day. Do so without scheduling an appointment. This allows you to get a candid glimpse of the atmosphere and care provided. Talk to visitors or family members that may be there during your visits; they can provide valuable, unbiased insight.

Family Caregiver

• The National Family Caregivers Association, NFCA, states that some 65 million people in the United States are providing regular care for someone they love. Sometimes family caregivers become overwhelmed by their responsibilities and duties. There are no days off. Care may be needed around the clock. Household duties fall squarely on the shoulders of the family caregiver, in addition to the care being provided. A family caregiver welcomes assistance, even if it's as simple as doing the laundry or sitting with the care receiver so errands can be accomplished.