Flagstaff, Arizona
214 N Sitgreaves St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 774-0888
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What is a Caregiver?

Comfort Keepers In-Home Care in Flagstaff, Arizona.

What is a Caregiver?

Caregivers, also known as caretakers, are people that provide various levels of care and comfort for patients. There are a variety of different kinds of caregivers, depending on the type of care that a person needs. The main purpose of caregivers is to provide comfort and care to their patients, as well as to alleviate the stress of family members that are caring for their aging loved ones. 

At Comfort Keepers of Flagstaff, AZ, our caregivers understand that every individual is different, that’s why we will strive to go above and beyond when it comes to providing quality care to your aging loved ones. Caregivers are trained in many different fields to ensure that they can provide their patients with the quality care that they need and deserve. Caregivers can work with their patients for a few weeks or the rest of their lives. To inquire about becoming a caregiver, you can reach us at (928) 774-0888. 

Here is what else you need to know about choosing a caregiver and becoming a caregiver.  

What is the Difference Between a Caregiver and a Nurse?

It’s common for people to assume that caregivers and nurses are the same things; however, there are some key differences that one must understand to get his or her loved one the proper kind of care. 

What Are the Responsibilities of a Caregiver?

Caregivers’ purpose is to help aging adults and their loved ones. Caregivers do not provide medical care to their patients; instead, they assist with everyday life tasks, responsibilities, and activities. Similarly, caregivers form more of a companionship with their patients than nurses do, mainly because most caregivers spend a significant amount of time at their patient’s homes. 

Some of the primary responsibilities of a caregiver include:

  • Grooming and bathing assistance

  • General housekeeping

  • Food shopping

  • Cooking/ assistance with eating 

  • Prescription pick-ups

Caregivers can come to a patient’s home as much or as little as needed, whether that be daily or just once a week.

What Are The Responsibilities of Private Duty Nurses?

Nurses' responsibilities are more involved than caregivers as they are trained and certified in providing medical care. Private duty nurses have more intense education and must be certified. Nurses must either possess a bachelor's or associate degree in nursing (BSN or ASN) or be a licensed practical nurse (LPN). With this additional training, nurses’ primary responsibilities include:

  • Administering/preparing medication

  • Checking vital signs

  • IV therapy

  • Monitoring heart rate

  • Performing injections

  • Tube feeding

Nurses typically work under direct instructions given by a doctor and are there to monitor the progress of a patient and assist in recovery rather than providing comfort and support. Nurses also typically only come to a home once or twice a week, depending on the patient’s needs.

The Different Kinds of Caregivers

There are a few different types of caregivers that are skilled in different areas to provide patients with the proper care that is needed. The most common kinds of caregivers are private duty caregivers, respite caregivers, and independent caregivers; these are in addition to the family caregivers. 

Private Duty Caregivers

Private duty caregivers are hired through an agency where they are screened and insured. Private duty caregivers are convenient for families because they can get a backup caregiver if their caregiver is unavailable. 

Respite Caregivers

Respite caregivers provide in-home care for the elderly in order to assist the family. Respite caregivers only work for a certain amount of time and are there to offer relief to family caregivers.

Independent Caregivers

Independent caregivers have the same responsibilities as a private duty caregiver; however, they are not hired through an agency. Independent caregivers work for themselves and are typically cheaper than respite and private duty caregivers. It’s important to point out that families that hire independent caregivers must know and feel comfortable that they are letting someone that isn’t affiliated with a company into their home. 

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Caregiver?

There are several valuable benefits of hiring a caregiver to help with the care of a loved one. The most notable are:

  • The amount of quality care and comfort that patients will get in the comfort of their own home

  • Peace of mind for families that may be struggling to provide the kind of care that their loved one needs

  • The cost. Hiring a caregiver is significantly cheaper than moving your loved one into a nursing facility

How Do You Become a Caregiver?

Becoming a caregiver is an extremely rewarding and vital career opportunity. Depending on the state, there are a variety of different qualifications that one must fulfill to become a caregiver. However, almost all states require between 40-120 hours of training, a high school diploma/GED, and a clean background check. Some states allow caregivers to begin working at 18 years of age, while other states require caregivers to be 21 years of age. 

Become a Caregiver Today

If you are an individual that enjoys caring for others and is kind and compassionate, becoming a caregiver is an outstanding career choice. Caregivers' jobs allow them to enrich the lives of patients as well as their families. Likewise, as a caregiver, you will give your patients the care that will enable them to get the best quality of life possible. Consider becoming a caregiver today.