Further to my previous blogs on caregiving (emotional and physical) costs, this blog focuses on understanding the different responsibilities of care providers that may be needed.

Questions to consider:

What type of care is required? Do I need a:

Registered Nurse: Their typical duties include:
– Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing interventions
– Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or according to establish policies and protocols
– Monitor, assess, address, document and report symptoms and changes in patients’ conditions
– Operate or monitor medical apparatus or equipment
– assist in surgery and other medical procedures

Registered Practical Nurse: Their typical duties include:
– RPNs assess clients’ conditions and chart progress.
– Wound care including changing dressings and give medications.
– They care for clients as disease progresses and through the palliative stages.

Personal Support Worker: Their typical duties include:
– Observes and reports clinical and treatment information, behavioral changes
– Assists with range of motion exercises and other rehabilitative measures
– Takes and records blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, body weight and height
– Assists with ambulating and mobilization of patient
– Assists with personal hygiene
– Assists with meal preparation, grocery shopping, dietary planning, food and fluid intake

Companion: Their typical duties include:
– Non medical assistance
– Assists with meal preparation, shopping, pet care, letter writing
– Providing conversation

Different levels of care may be needed at different times throughout the caregiving journey.

Lessons learned: Know what you need in order to find the right provider for you and your care recipient.
-Audrey Miller