I'm looking for a live-in caregiver for an elderly person

Seniors in every family begin to need help at some point in their lives. This is a natural stage where care and support become invaluable. If your family has just had such a need, you’ve come to the right place. Round-the-clock care for seniors at home, where the proximity of home and familiar surroundings foster a sense of security, is a very good solution for most seniors. In this guide, you’ll find out why this might be the right choice and whether it’s the perfect fit for your family.

Table of contents

How do I find live-in senior home care?
What does senior care involve?
What does a caregiver for an elderly person with a live-in relationship do?
How much does a round-the-clock care service for seniors cost?
What qualifications does a caregiver for an elderly person have?

How do I find live-in senior home care?

Home care is a support model increasingly chosen by families. A list of certified care agencies is available on the Hrily Care Service portal. If you are looking for live-in elderly care, this is the platform for you. There are profiles of caregivers for the elderly that you can work with. Carers’ professional profiles include the range of activities they can undertake, references, certificates and courses, and a description of their experience in caring for the elderly. Most agencies also indicate the date of arrival of the caregiver, and it is often very short. It is not uncommon for a caregiver for an elderly person to be on-site within two days. In addition, you can check the rates for senior care and the availability of caregivers for the elderly on the portal. Working from home is an excellent option for families who want to be sure that their loved one is under constant supervision.

What does senior care involve?

Caring for an elderly person at home is much more than just taking care of their basic physiological needs. It is primarily a concern for the emotional, mental, and social well-being of the senior. A caregiver who lives with the person in the same home not only helps with daily activities such as preparing meals, taking care of hygiene, or administering medication. It is also a person who listens, talks, supports in difficult moments, and often becomes a true friend. Round-the-clock care for an elderly person provides them with extraordinary comfort. For many seniors, the presence of a caregiver is a chance for companionship and solace in the loneliness they may feel later in life. A well-chosen caregiver is a guarantee that every day becomes safe, comfortable, and full of positive experiences for the senior. Contemporary care for the elderly is primarily about caring for their dignity, autonomy, and full participation in the life of the family and community.

What does a caregiver for an elderly person with a live-in relationship do?

Seniors may face many obstacles in their daily activities. In such moments, a live-in caregiver becomes an invaluable support. The reasons for the difficulties faced by seniors are diverse. Here are some reasons why an older person may need the support of a caregiver:

Memory problems: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can lead to difficulty remembering how to perform daily activities or even recognizing objects and people.
People with fractures: People with injuries and accidents may not be able to perform certain activities. A good example is limb fractures, which effectively prevent a senior from functioning independently.
Mobility limitations: Joint disease, osteoporosis, rheumatism, or simply aging can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
Visual problems: Diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration can make it difficult to see, resulting in an inability to perform many activities.
Hearing problems: Age-related hearing loss or other hearing problems can make communication challenging.
Chronic diseases: Diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension can reduce overall fitness and cannot function independently.
Loss of strength and balance: Aging can lead to weakened muscle strength and difficulty maintaining balance, which increases the risk of falls.
Mental health problems: Depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders can affect motivation, energy, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Medications and their side effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other symptoms that make it difficult to function.
Difficulty in self-care activities: Problems with walking, eating, dressing, using the toilet, or washing may require the support of another person
Social isolation: Lack of regular contact with family or friends can lead to feelings of loneliness and apathy.

A live-in caregiver helps in a variety of ways, from physical support with daily activities, to help with medication, to accompaniment and emotional support. Supporting seniors in such a way that they can remain independent for as long as possible while ensuring their safety and comfort, is a key element of the caregiver’s role.

Rehabilitation of the elderly

Caring for a sick person requires extra dedication, but also knowledge. A senior caregiver, depending on their experience and qualifications, can carry out various types of basic rehabilitation exercises. Nevertheless, it is worth emphasizing that advanced rehabilitation techniques should be carried out by a qualified physiotherapist. Here are the types of rehabilitation that a caregiver can do on their own:

General development exercises: Simple exercises to strengthen, stretch, and improve coordination. These can help maintain and improve a senior’s overall physical fitness.
Strengthening exercises: The caregiver may assist with simple exercises using the resistance of their own body or light objects such as small dumbbells or rehabilitation balls.
Balance exercises: They help in preventing falls and strengthening the stabilizing muscles.
Gait exercises: These may include walking and walking, which help you stay independent.
Breathing exercises: Helpful in improving lung function, especially if the senior has respiratory problems.
Exercises to improve range of motion: A caregiver can help you do passive and active exercises for your joints to keep them flexible and reduce pain.
Relaxation exercises: These can help reduce muscle tension and improve well-being.
Sensory stimulation: In the case of people with advanced forms of dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions, the caregiver may engage the senior in simple activities that stimulate the senses. A simple and effective way is to put items in a bag. The senior has the task of putting his hand inside, without seeing the object, to recognize the object only with the sense of touch.
Exercises for a bedridden person: Caring for a bedridden person should include simple exercises that are designed to prevent pressure ulcers and loss of muscle mass.

However, we should remember that every caregiver of an elderly person should act within the limits of their experience and knowledge. Before implementing any form of rehabilitation, it is important to consult with a doctor or rehabilitation specialist to determine the best plan of action for the individual senior.

Mobilizing the senior citizen

Mobilization of the senior by the caregiver is a key element in helping to maintain their physical, mental, and social health. Proper motivation can help prevent many health problems, such as falls, muscle wasting, and complications from lying down. Here are a few ways for a caregiver to mobilize a senior:

Daily exercise: Encouraging simple exercises that can be done at home. These can be general development exercises, strengthening, stretching, or balance exercises.
Walking: If your health allows, daily walks in the fresh air can be a great way to keep your seniors active. Even a short walk can have many benefits.
Encourage independence: If possible, allow the senior to perform simple activities of daily living, such as dressing, washing, or preparing meals.
Physical activities: Games and activities that require movement, such as throwing a ball, can be a great way to get motivated.
Personal hygiene: Helping with daily hygiene activities, such as washing, using the toilet, or changing position in bed, can also help with mobilization.
Encouraging social interaction: Holding gatherings with family, friends, or neighbors can motivate a senior to get up and move around.
Mental stimulation: Board games, crosswords, puzzles, or reading can be a great way to activate your mind, which also contributes to overall motivation.
Encourage hobbies: Painting, crafting, gardening, or cooking can be a great way to get motivated.
Participation in group activities: If it is possible to enroll a senior in group classes, such as gymnastics for seniors or dances, it is worth trying this form of motivation.

However, the most important element is an individual approach to the needs and capabilities of each senior. A caregiver for the elderly should observe the reactions and comfort of the residents during various forms of activity, adapting them to their current needs.

Caring for your mentee’s body

Senior body care is a key aspect of a caregiver’s work, aimed not only at maintaining hygiene but also the overall comfort and well-being of the person in care. Here are some practical tips for caring for an elderly person’s body:

Daily Personal Hygiene:

Bathing: Depending on the needs and condition of the senior, it can be a full bath in the bathtub, shower, or washing the body by the bed using wet wipes or a wet cloth.
Hand washing: Washing your hands regularly, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
Oral hygiene: Brushing teeth, flossing, and mouthwash. If a senior has dentures, they should be cleaned regularly and gum hygiene should be maintained.

Skin Care:

Use gentle, moisturizing creams and lotions, especially if the senior’s skin is dry or prone to irritation.
Regularly check your skin for pressure ulcers, irritation, or other problems and respond accordingly.

Hair Care:

Washing, combing, and possibly cutting hair. If the senior has long hair, it is worth combing it regularly to avoid tangles.

Feet Care:

Washing, moisturizing, trimming nails. If problems such as ringworm or ingrown toenails are present, a visit to a podiatrist may be necessary.

Intimate hygiene:

Using gentle intimate hygiene products. Regular replacement of pants if the senior uses them. When taking care of intimate hygiene, it is also worth checking intimate areas for irritation, redness, or other problems.

Tactile stimulation:

A gentle massage can help with relaxation, improved circulation, and overall comfort.

Eye & Ear Care:

Regular cleaning of the eyelids and ears, but without interfering with the deep parts of the ear canal.

Hand & Nail Care:

Washing, moisturizing, trimming, and filing nails.

Advantages of embalming and massaging the body of an elderly person

Embalming and massaging an elderly person can have many benefits, both for the physical and mental health of the senior. Here are some of the advantages:

Improving blood circulation: Massaging helps stimulate blood circulation, which is especially beneficial for older people who may suffer from circulatory problems. Good circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, which can speed up the healing and regeneration process.
Improved skin elasticity: Embalming moisturizes the skin, helping it to stay supple and healthy-looking. An older person’s skin is often dry and can crack easily, so moisturizing it regularly is important.
Relaxation: Massage can help relax tense muscles and joints. Many seniors suffer from joint and muscle pain, and massage can help alleviate these ailments.
Reducing stress and anxiety: The touch and warmth of the therapist’s hands during the massage can have a calming effect. Many seniors feel anxiety and stress related to the aging process, illness, or loneliness. Massage can be a moment of relaxation and relief for them.
Stimulation of the lymphatic system: Massage can help stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body. Cleansing your body of toxins is important for your overall health and well-being.
Improved sleep quality: Regular massaging can contribute to better sleep, which is important for the body’s recovery.
Increased body awareness: For many older adults who have limited mobility or are less physically active, massage can help to increase awareness of their own body and its needs.
Emotional support: For many seniors, another person’s touch and care can bring a sense of acceptance, support, and security.

The use of lotions for massage in the care of the elderly should be tailored to the individual needs and health condition of the patient. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before introducing any new treatments.

How much does a round-the-clock care service for seniors cost?

Residential home care is becoming more and more popular in Europe. Rates depend on several factors, including:

the scope of activities to be performed by the caregiver,
required qualifications,
the country and region in which care is provided to the person in need of care.

If you are interested in issues related to the earnings of caregivers of the elderly, please visit the Hrily Care Service platform, as there you will find the current rates of care services. Usually, these are not hourly rates, because the remuneration of caregivers does not depend on the number of hours devoted to care or fulfilling other duties, but is mainly determined by experience, language skills, qualifications, and courses. In addition, if you are considering working in care, you need to be aware that there are no fixed working hours for a caregiver, as seniors require support at different hours.

What qualifications does a caregiver for an elderly person have?

Caregivers for the elderly have a variety of qualifications. It should be noted that the starting point is the needs of the person to be cared for. Once they are known, a caregiver for the elderly is selected who has the appropriate skills.

Here are some of them:

Medical training: Some caregivers have degrees in nursing, physical therapy, or other medical-related fields, allowing them to take more advanced care of seniors.
Courses and training: Many caregivers take specialized courses in caring for the elderly, such as first aid, care, and rehabilitation courses.
Communication skills: Understanding the senior’s needs and developing effective communication is crucial. Good communication helps to build a relationship based on trust.
Experience in care: Hands-on experience working with seniors is extremely important. Thanks to it, an experienced caregiver for the elderly can better understand and respond to her individual needs.
Patience and empathy: Working with the elderly requires a lot of patience, understanding, and empathy. A caregiver of an elderly, sick person should be able to provide emotional support and comfort in difficult times.
Knowledge of basic psychology: Understanding the aging process, emotional problems, and diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s can help the caregiver work effectively with the senior.
Organizational skills: A caregiver often has to manage various aspects of a senior’s life—from dealing with medical matters to organizing leisure to helping with daily activities.
Physical condition: Depending on the senior’s health, the caregiver may need to be in good physical condition to help carry or support the person in motion.
Knowledge of basic pharmacology: Many older people take medication regularly. Knowing the basics of pharmacology will help the caregiver administer medication correctly and monitor for possible side effects.
Stress management skills: Caring for an elderly person who is ill can sometimes be stressful. The caregiver should have the skills to deal with difficult situations and emotions.

Choosing the right caregiver is an important decision, so it is worth paying attention to their qualifications and experience in working with seniors to make sure that your loved one can sometimes be stressful. The caregiver should have the skills to deal with difficult situations and emotions.

I’m looking for a live-in caregiver for an elderly person