The Importance of Caregivers
Professional caregivers and hospice aides give more than just physical help through their work. They are also there to provide emotional and moral support while always providing a level of comfort to their patients. The end of life stages undoubtedly will be filled with ups and downs that families and patients have to work through. Caregivers are there to help during this emotional process. Whether it be helping with at home tasks which helps families make most of the time left together or simply be there to help the family understand and process the situation, caregivers provide compassion and reassurance for all involved. Caregivers also help discuss all end of life options with their patients and their families. Keeping them well informed, helping them understand all the options and helping see those plans through.
A Deeper Look Into Caregiver Responsibilities
Caregivers will meet many needs during the end of life stage and after death. For starters they provide practical care and assistance which include but are not limited to:
- Bedside manner
- Transportation
- Meal preparation
- Bathing/dressing
- Routine activities
Caregivers also always provide not only comfort but dignity. Whether they are being cared for at home, hospital or hospice building, caregivers will be there to ease any discomfort, pain, fears or insecurity for their patients. This is because mental comfort is just as important as physical comfort in the end of life stage.
Besides just the day to day process of comfort and responsibilities, caregivers also help patients navigate and decide end of life options. Whether a burial, cremation, or whole body donation they are there to discuss these options, aid in the process of choosing one and help prepare the necessities for whichever path is taken.
After death, grief support is also provided. Caregivers help prepare for the coming loss and after loss. From feelings of sadness, anger or numbness, your caregiver is there to consult and help you through the grief process. They can also help with a necessary moving of personal effects or completion of paperwork within the patient’s wishes.
All in all, professional caregivers and hospice aides and their relationship with their patients are important. Caregivers are there to bring peace in a difficult time. They are there to make the end of life transition easier, have the patient’s after death wishes honored and help the family with the grieving process. It is important to have open communication with caregivers because they are ready, willing and committed to do anything to help ease this process for patients and family alike.
