1. Prepare a Care Plan

Preparing a care plan that arent’s strengths and weaknesses is necessary to create when beginning your caregiving journey, so that you can determine how many hours of care a day your loved one will require.

2. Assess Medical Needs

Does your parent have prescription medication or need help with pain management? Meet with a doctor who can assess your loved one and create a medical care plan so that you can provide medical assistance at home.

3. Monitor Medication

Monitor your parent’s medication according to their medical care plan, which should specify your duties and what times of day you should provide medical assistance to them.

4. Assist with Basic Needs

Assist your loved one with their basic needs, which could include: bathing, grooming and toileting.

5. Prepare Meals

Food preparation becomes increasingly difficult as we age. You can help your parent by doing their grocery shopping or preparing their meals, and by monitoring their nutrition.

6. Housekeeping

Maintaining a home takes more time as we age and become less active. You can provide assistance to a loved one by doing dishes, vacuuming or taking out the garbage.

7. Transfer

Your parent may have difficulty transferring – from bed in the morning to chair in the afternoon, for instance. Be prepared to help them move and make them comfortable.

8. Transport

Transporting your loved one to doctor’s appointments and other activities will become a common caregiving duty.

9. Companionship

In the midst of all these duties, it’s easy to forget one of the most important parts of caregiving – companionship. Focus on how rewarding it is to care for your parent and know how thankful they are to have you too. When you are challenged, these inspirational caregiver tips can help you put things back into perspective.

10. Monitor Performance

Finally, look at your loved one’s care plans, monitor the performance of their care and speak with a medical professional if any adjustments need to be made.

These duties are essential caregiving tasks, but it’s also important to remember to adjust them as necessary for the parent or senior that you’re caring for.