Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac

Home caregivers are usually compensated directly by the client or through an agency for home care. Private caregivers can be paid hourly or weekly in cash, check, or bank transfer. Those who work for agencies are generally paid by direct deposit on a regular basis, with taxes and payroll arranged by the agency. In other instances, caregivers are compensated under government programs such as Medicaid or veterans’ benefits, or families who act as official employers and use payroll services. 

The number of hours a caregiver works per week will depend on the client’s needs and whether it’s a simple or complex type of care required. On average, professional caregivers work 20 to 40 hours per week, though some may provide full-time or live-in care, which can exceed 60 hours per week. Part-time caregivers may work just a few hours a day, while others are scheduled for overnight or weekend shifts. The schedule is typically customized to fit the level of assistance the client requires, whether it’s basic daily support or more intensive, around-the-clock care. 

Caregivers aren’t allowed to do some things reserved for licensed medical personnel. These prohibitions involve administering prescription drugs (except under the supervision of a nurse or physician), doing medical procedures like injecting medications or caring for wounds, and diagnosing or treating illness. Also, caregivers aren’t allowed to provide therapy services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy unless they have the right certifications. Caregivers are also prohibited from making legal, financial, or medical decisions for the client unless they’re formally designated as a legal representative or power of attorney. These boundaries ensure the safety of both the caregiver and the individual receiving care while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. 

When interacting with a caregiver, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of his or her role. Avoid telling the caregiver things that belittle his or her professionalism or make the caregiver feel he or she isn’t appreciated. For instance, don’t say things like, “It’s just a straightforward job, anyone can do it,” as it downplays the intricacy and significance of caregiving. Also, don’t make personal or intrusive comments regarding the caregiver’s appearance, origin, or private life. Comments like “I’m sure this is easy for you” or “I could never do what you do” may have the unintended effect of suggesting caregiving is easy or that the caregiver’s work isn’t as much work as it seems. Showing appreciation for the caregiver’s effort and thanking him or her for providing care is important. Recognizing the caregiver’s efforts with positive and respectful words assists in establishing a constructive and professional relationship. 

Caregivers feel guilty because of the psychological and physical requirements of their work. Caregivers feel as if they’re not doing enough for their loved ones, thereby creating a feeling of inadequacy. Caregivers feel guilty when they feel overwhelmed, fatigued, and believe they cannot provide the high-quality care they want to offer. Moreover, caregivers may feel guilty when leaving time for self-care or asking for assistance from others, as they believe they’re abandoning their loved one or failing to live up to expectations. Such emotional distress can increase if caregivers feel other people are judging them as incompetent in caregiving. It’s important that caregivers recognize their emotions, reach out for help, and learn caregiving is a difficult task, and it’s fine to give priority to their own lives. 

There are four primary types of caregivers, and each one offers varying levels of support depending on the care recipient’s needs: 

Family caregivers – These are unpaid caregivers who are frequently family members providing care to a loved one. They can have a range of responsibilities, from supporting daily activities to handling medical needs, and they usually provide care on a part-time or full-time schedule. 

Personal care aides – These are trained professionals who provide care with nonmedical needs—for example, bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. They concentrate on enhancing quality of life for the individual and assisting with basic daily activities. 

Home health aides – Home health aides deliver personal care services and simple medical care under the direction of a registered nurse or medical professional. They support medication management, mobility, and some healthcare activities, such as monitoring vital signs. 

Nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) – CNAs and nurses provide specialized medical services, such as medication administration, wound treatment, and other medical treatments. Nurses are trained licensed practitioners who provide more advanced care, whereas CNAs help with daily routines and assist with healthcare activities. 

In Potomac, MD, the most requested home care services are: 

• Companion care, which provides emotional support and light housekeeping  

• Personal care, which involves assisting with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing 

• Respite care, offering relief to family caregivers 

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, providing specific assistance for cognitive complications  

These services are intended to enhance quality of life and promote safety and independence for clients in their homes. 

Home care is a service offered in a client’s home. For example, helping with daily activities or nonmedical treatment, whereas a caregiver is the one providing these services. Caregivers may be relatives or employed workers, depending on the degree of care required.