Overview
India’s elderly population is expected to triple by 2050. In such a scenario, it becomes all the more important to focus on eldercare. Due to professional commitments, children are left with no other option but to move to other cities in search of a better future. For parents who are staying alone, caretakers is the need of the hour.
In fact, kids themselves are so considerate that they arrange for old age caretakers for their parents. From taking care of their medical condition to helping them in living a happy life, an old age caretaker provides full support to an elder.
Khushi was also taking care of an elder and as an old age caretaker she beautifully handled the entire period of her duty. She never considered her duty of an old age caretaker as a job, in fact she loved doing it.
“It was a very good experience and the way they treated me made me realise that what am doing holds so much importance and value,” Khushi shares.
“Not everything is done for money, some things are done purely out of your heart,” she adds.
What a good attendant does in a day
- Morning: helps with toilet, bath and dressing; gives breakfast and medicines on time.
- Mid-morning: gentle exercise or a walk, and tea and conversation.
- Afternoon: lunch, rest, hobbies, calls with family.
- Evening: dinner, medicines, a short walk or prayer.
- Night: safe sleep setup, toilet trips and checking at night if needed.
- All day: watching for changes in health, mood, appetite or skin, and telling the family.
Questions to ask when hiring
1. What training and experience do you have, and can we see references? 2. Can you handle transfers, toileting, feeding and medicine reminders? 3. What are your hours, leave and cost? 4. How will you report to us each day? 5. What will you do in an emergency?
See hiring a home attendant checklist and how to find the right home health attendant.
Supporting a carer
Treat the attendant with respect, set clear tasks, give breaks and check regularly; see supervising a caregiver from afar.
When to ask a professional
A nurse should handle injections, wound care and complex conditions. See how a home attendant improves seniors' lives.
About our care services
If you are looking for a caretaker, please call us on 1800-123-445555. . We promise to provide you the best of everything.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
What does a home attendant do?
Helps with daily activities, mobility, meals, medicines and company, but does not replace a nurse for medical tasks.
How is an attendant different from a nurse?
A nurse is trained to give medical care. An attendant helps with personal care and daily living.
How can I check an attendant is doing well?
Ask for daily notes, call your parent, visit unannounced sometimes and watch your parent's mood.
How do I avoid conflicts?
Agree duties and hours in writing and discuss problems early.
Sources and further reading
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, India, Home Health Aide qualification pack
- World Health Organization, Ageing and health fact sheet
- Healthcare Sector Skill Council, India, job role descriptions
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This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
