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Why A Live In Caregiver Is The Best Option For Caring Families Of Infirm Relatives

By Essie Osborn


There are various reasons why people may reach a stage of life where they simply cannot live completely independently any longer. It may be old age, illness or a disability. Many people that cannot look after themselves do not want to become residents in facilities specializing in caring for the infirm. A live in caregiver is one of the preferred solutions and many qualified personal helpers practice is cities like Atlanta GA.

The options open to an infirm person are limited. In the case of aged people, they may be placed in homes specializing in the care for the aged. Disabled or mentally unwell people may face institutionalization. In some cases, families are willing to take care of such individuals personally, but this is increasingly rare. Having a helper living with the afflicted person in his or her own home is seen as one of the best solutions.

Many aged people and others needing care are terrified of living in institutions where they are unable to make decisions, unable to determine their own priorities and where they are most likely to be subjected to rules and regulations they do not appreciate. Having a helper in the residence of such people, looking after their needs is a tremendous benefit.

Getting a qualified person to take care of somebody in their own home holds many other advantages. Such patients can be given individual care and their personal preferences can be taken into account. This is not possible in homes and institutions. People enjoying individual care are almost always happier and they can still maintain some control over their own lives and their own wishes.

Extreme care should be taken in the selection of a resident helper and companion. He or she must be able to produce valid references and it is advisable to ask advice from the attending physician or other professionals dealing with the person needing the care. It must be kept in mind that the person selected will actually be sharing living space with the patient.

There are other matters to consider when appointing a resident helper. The person selected should preferably share at least some interests with the patient. He or she should be able to establish a relationship of trust with the patient because the very best situation will be one where the patient and the helper actually form a bond of companionship, if not of friendship.

No resident helper should ever be employed without a detailed contract. The contract should spell out the daily duties and responsibilities of the helper and family members should try to visit as regularly as possible to make sure that the infirm relative is properly cared for. The contract should be fair and allow for things such as time off and long term benefits.

Nobody wants to be helpless but there can be little doubt that it is better to remain in a familiar environment when permanent care becomes necessary. Resident helpers can make sure that their patients are respected and treated with dignity. This is not always the cheapest option, but it is certainly one of the best among the various alternatives.




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