What are the 4 Types of Caregivers?

When caregivers work in unique environments, they can’t perform the exact same activities for their senior clients. Some are better suited for activities of daily living, while others can perform medical care. As you, or a loved one, begins to require additional care in their lives, you may begin to wonder: what are the 4 types of caregivers?

In the interest of full disclosure, there are more than 4 types of caregivers. However, four types of caregivers are more common and are likely to be the leading contenders for your consideration.

Assisted Living Facility Caregiver

When seniors begin to express a need for care, assisted living facilities are often the first to come to mind. This may be due to the vast array of amenities and services these facilities offer. Some even offer options like gyms, pools, salons, and movie theaters.

The care at these facilities, while not continual, is available around the clock. Other than this, there is no fixed model of care. Some seniors and their families choose these facilities to connect them to more individuals their age, while others require more care. Assisted living caregivers can provide some help with medical care.

Nursing Home Caregiver

Where the care at an assisted living facility can be more flexible, nursing home care is not. Residents at nursing homes require significant care in their day-to-day life—from transferring to toileting, to bathing, to assistance with eating. They may require rehabilitative therapies, have severe Alzheimer’s or Dementia, or even be bedridden.

The professionals at these facilities are better suited to assist clients with far more intensive care needs. This is in addition to personal care and social activities.

Adult Daycare Center Caregiver

On the opposite side of the spectrum are adult daycare centers, which provide medical, social, and other forms of care in a community-based setting. This option of care gets seniors out of their homes for a portion of the day to engage with others while being watched over.

These types of facilities are more common for those with developmental disabilities, but they are available for senior citizens. Adult daycare centers are often utilized when a family caregiver can’t be home 24/7 due to work.

Home Health Caregiver

Many seniors require assistance with activities of daily living but don’t want to give up living in the comfort of their homes. For those that do not require constant medical care, home health caregivers may be the answer. These professionals can assist with any and all of the activities of daily living that seniors may struggle with.

Care plans are organized between the family and the agency to ensure the correct level of care is provided for the proper amount of time. This way, seniors experience exactly the amount of non-medical care they require when they require it.

Home Care in Chicago, Illinois

If you or a loved one requires assistance with non-medical care, consider Home Care Powered by AUAF. Our at-home caregivers pursue regular training to ensure their care is up-to-date with the latest standards. These services include:

• Personal care
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Companionship

As you consider what options are best for you and your loved one, call us at 773-274-9262 to learn more about our program.