In Oakwood, there are many positions that assist clients with activities they are unable to perform themselves, such as cooking and cleaning. Caregivers should not view these activities as menial. Caregivers should consider how their tasks assist the client in completing activities of daily living, enabling independence.
If you find yourself noticing when it’s time to clean the dishes or cook the next meal, then you likely have skills that would be helpful in home care.
Meals should be prepared in a way that incorporates the client as much as possible. This means caregivers are not authorized to prepare meals according to their personal preferences.
Care Pros should follow a client’s preferences as outlined in the care plan. This may mean that a care pro assists a client in preparing part of a meal that the client wants to prepare, but is having difficulty preparing.
Following a client’s preferences may also mean removing a client’s plate and cup from the microwave and putting them in the cabinet where the client expects them to be put. The importance of incorporating a care activity is that it promotes the client’s independence in meal preparation.
You are not altering the client’s routine to fit your own preferences. You’re incorporating your knowledge of routine to allow the client to re-enter their normal activities as best you can.
Prior experience in home care in the Oakwood area is an advantage for a prospective employee, as it takes a willingness to learn and understand the client’s preferences.
A Care Pro should always consider the client’s wishes first, particularly if there is a deviation from the most effective and/or efficient way to complete a task.
What is the Definition of “Light Housekeeping” and Where does the Cutoff Point Lie?
Light housekeeping is restricted to assisting the client with their normal routine and activities. Client’s may require assistance with activities which lead to normalization of the living environment.
A Care Pro may assist the client in fulfilling their normal activities of daily living in the home environment. This may include activities such as washing the dishes or completing the laundry.
Activities should not be extended beyond the care responsibilities.
You have to know the limits.
You should expect to find clear directions for the visit activities in the Care Plan.
Household Chores and Client Support
What household chores do in caregiving is show who they support and why. If something is included in a care plan, then it is part of the plan and supports the client.
If your charge can no longer prepare her own lunch, then you would have to prepare it and wash the dishes used for that meal.
If your charge can no longer do the laundry and that task has been added to the plan, then you would assist her with that plan.
It becomes very confusing when you are asked to do household chores for all members of the family. A care plan should never be this broad.
You should not feel restricted to do household chores for the family. You need to understand what is expected of you and what your limits are. The same should hold true for the client.
Sometimes you just need to do things for the client that take the most time, like laundry. The client just needs to be supported in doing things that take time. You need to understand what the client is capable of doing and support her in doing those things. Household skills are a must for caregiving. Knowing when to help and when to support is caregiving 101. You need to know when to let the client do things on her own.
Prospective clients may contact our Home Instead office in the Gainesville area to learn more about the household duties and the type of support they may expect from Care Pros on their current assignment.
Prospective Clients May Wish to Know….
Many clients prefer to maintain independence where possible and may need a reminder, assistance or support to perform everyday activities such as meal preparation and household tasks.
When applying for an assignment, prospective clients may wish to know the expectations and responsibilities and the role they may have in implementing the client’s care plan.
It is also important for prospective clients to know the location and hours of the assignment. Prospective clients may want to know how the assignment fits with their other commitments.
Once on assignment, clients may wish to know the hours for the day or week, and the activities and responsibilities expected of them. Home Instead staffing specialists serving the Gainesville area may also be able to assist with answers to these questions.
Prospective clients may also have other questions relating to caregiver duties. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Will I have to clean the entire client home?
Probably not. When house cleaning as part of your assignment, you will not have to clean the entire home. You will only have to do light house cleaning related to the care needs of the client. If you are unsure about what you are required to do in your assignment, contact your office for clarification.
Will housekeeping and meal prep skills help my caregiver application?
Yes, but, understand that there are other factors when considering a caregiver role. For example, you will need to understand the client’s Care Plan, and adapt to the client’s preferences. You will also have to learn to effectively communicate with the client. To learn about available caregiver roles, contact your local office.
Do caregiver schedules change?
Absolutely. Caregiver schedules are very flexible and can change based on the availability of clients that need care. When a new caregiver assignment is offered to you, make sure the location and hours of the assignment work with your schedule. You will need to decide if you are able to provide care at the offered times.
How can I find a caregiver job in Oakwood?
Look for open caregiver jobs in the Oakwood area and apply online. You will have an opportunity during your application to provide more details about available assignments that you are interested in. For example, you can ask about caregiver duties related to meal prep and housekeeping, and what the caregiver duties are related to a client’s Care Plan.
About the Author
Kelee King has been part of the Home Instead team since 2018 and brings a strong understanding of senior care and caregiver support. As Chief Operating Officer, she provides leadership and guidance to her team while helping families and caregivers receive attentive, dependable support.
