When it comes to taking good care of our senior loved ones, we have to look for a way to meet their specific needs. Every older adult in our lives has unique needs. Some may need medical help while they are at home. Others may need someone to talk to, preventing feelings of loneliness. So, it’s important to know the difference between various types of senior care providers. If you have an older loved one in your family, it’s good to find out how you can get them the best care possible.

What Are Senior Care Providers?

People who care for and look after our older loved ones can be referred to as in-home senior care providers. They offer seniors a way to receive care in the comfort of their own home. Caregivers can give either medical or nonmedical assistance. In some instances, an individual may need both of those kinds of assistance. This is why it’s important to know more about the different kinds of senior care providers before one is selected for your loved one.

Non-Medical Caregivers: Senior care providers who offer non-medical assistance usually help older adults with various tasks. A non-medical caregiver might help your senior loved one get dressed, bathe, or use the restroom. This care provider might also assist seniors by giving them transportation and helping them prepare meals.

Medical Caregivers: Someone who gives medical assistance can help manage the medical needs of seniors in his or her care. They might make sure the individual it taking the right medication at the right time. Medical care providers might also offer first aid help in emergency cases. They’re also trained to take care of wounds and various types of injuries. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) are examples of medical senior care providers.

Comparing and Contrasting Caregivers

So, what exactly are the different kinds of caregivers? We’ll mention 3 types of senior care providers here:

General Care – A caregiver who gives general care to seniors have various, general responsibilities. Someone who offers this type of assistance can help with household duties like laundry, light cleaning, pet care and appointment setting. General care providers can also help organize mail, pick up prescriptions and groceries, prepare meals and other housekeeping tasks. Senior care providers who give general assistance are great for families who are unable to keep up with regular maintenance and errands that seniors may need to be done.

Companionship – Unfortunately, family members are not always able to spend a lot of time with their older loved ones. This may be due to schedules or distance. So, many seniors deal with loneliness on a daily basis. A caregiver whose sole purpose is to offer companionship is exactly what some seniors really need. Companions can lend older adults a listening ear. They can help transport seniors to outings with friends and neighbors. Perhaps, the senior in your life loves to play a game of cards every once in a while. A companion can do that! They can also help give older individuals a sense of security if they live alone. This, of course, can give families peace, knowing that their loved one is safe.

Home Assistance – Some people who care for older adults can give a little bit of both the categories we just mentioned. They can offer companionship and general care. Home assistance caregivers usually help with household duties and give some company to the seniors in their care.

Florida First Can Help!

Looking for a great caregiver for your older loved one? We’ve got you covered. Florida First Senior Home Care is a caregiver referral service. We help families find senior care providers that meet their needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help your family.