The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Live in Caregiver for Your Loved Ones
Familiarity and Comfort: A live in caregiver allows your loved one to remain in their own home, which can provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort. Being in a familiar environment can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
Flexibility: Professional live in caregivers can provide flexible care to accommodate your loved one’s changing needs. They can adapt to new routines and offer 24-hour care, making sure your loved one’s needs are always met.
Personalized Care Plan: Live in caregivers can work with you and your loved one to create a personalized care plan. This plan can be tailored to their specific needs and can include everything from meal preparation and medication management to companionship and transportation to appointments.
Cost-Effective: Live in caregivers can be a cost-effective option for elder care. Nursing homes and daycare centers can be very expensive, and in-home care can be more affordable when compared to these options. Additionally, live in caregivers can provide a level of care and attention that is not always possible in a nursing home or daycare center.
Companionship: Live in caregivers can provide companionship and socialization for your loved one. They can engage in activities with your loved one and provide emotional support. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Peace of Mind: With a live in caregiver, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is receiving quality care and attention. You can rest assured that they are safe and being taken care of by a trained and professional caregiver.
In conclusion, hiring a professional live in caregiver can provide many benefits over other elder care options such as daycare centers and nursing homes. With a one-on-one care approach, flexibility, personalized care plans, cost-effectiveness, companionship, and peace of mind, a live in caregiver can provide a comfortable and safe environment for your loved one to age in place. Top Faith Pte Ltd is a reputable agency that provides professional live in caregivers to families in Singapore. They offer affordable caregiving solutions to meet your loved one’s specific needs and ensure that they receive the best care possible.
Affordable Caregiving Solutions: How to Find Quality Live in Caregiver at a Reasonable Price
One option to consider is hiring a live-in caregiver from a reputable agency. Agencies often have a pool of caregivers with varying levels of experience and skills. With an agency, you can rest assured that the caregiver you choose has undergone background checks and has the necessary qualifications and training.
Top Faith Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based caregiving agency that provides a range of caregiving services, including live-in caregivers. With over 300 clients under their care, Top Faith Pte Ltd has established itself as a reliable and trustworthy agency, offering quality caregiving services at reasonable prices.
When searching for a live-in caregiver, it’s crucial to consider the caregiver’s qualifications and experience. Top Faith Pte Ltd ensures that all their caregivers have undergone training and have the necessary qualifications to provide quality care to your loved one. Additionally, their caregivers have experience working with seniors and individuals with special needs, ensuring that they can handle any situation that may arise.
Another factor to consider when looking for affordable caregiving solutions is the caregiver’s compatibility with your loved one. Top Faith Pte Ltd offers a personalized matching service to ensure that your loved one is paired with a caregiver that suits their unique needs and personality. They take into consideration your loved one’s preferences and requirements to ensure that the caregiver is a good fit for your loved one.
Moreover, Top Faith Pte Ltd offers affordable pricing options for their caregiving services. They also provide transparent pricing, with no hidden charges, ensuring that you know what you’re paying for.
When looking for affordable caregiving solutions, it’s essential to consider the agency’s reputation. Top Faith Pte Ltd has received numerous positive reviews from their clients, praising their caregivers for their professionalism and competence. Their caregivers are compassionate, patient, and reliable, ensuring that your loved one is in safe hands.
Furthermore, Top Faith Pte Ltd offers additional services that can help ease the burden of caregiving. They provide medical escort services, which can be especially helpful for seniors or individuals with special needs who need to attend medical appointments. Their caregivers also offer home care services, including housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship.
In conclusion, finding affordable caregiving solutions can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Hiring a live-in caregiver from a reputable agency like Top Faith Pte Ltd can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your loved one is receiving quality care at a reasonable price. With their experienced and qualified caregivers, personalized matching service, and affordable pricing options, Top Faith Pte Ltd is an excellent choice for anyone looking for affordable caregiving solutions.
All You Need to Know About Caregiving Responsibilities
Residents aged 65 and above make up 16% of Singapore’s population.
This means around 896,000 individuals require assistance with daily tasks.
If your loved one belongs to the same category, consider hiring a caregiver. A caregiver takes on multiple roles, but their primary objective remains the same: ensuring senior citizens live a hassle-free and independent life.
But what exactly do those roles entail?
The question is guaranteed to confuse those who’ve never hired a caregiver.
Well, that’s where Top Faith comes in.
Apart from offering exceptional services, we possess vast knowledge related to the industry.
And we’re utilizing it to write this blog.
So, if you’ve always wondered what duties a caregiver performs, read on to find out.
- 1. Provides Personal Care
After a certain age, your loved one will no longer be able to perform even the basic tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals. These activities are an integral part of an individual’s existence, without which they can’t live a quality life.
For that reason, people hire a caregiver.
They assist senior citizens with pretty much all day-to-day activities, including, without limitation:
- Grocery shopping
- Exercising
- Light housekeeping
- Laundry
- Grooming
- Administering medicine
- 2. Helps with Transportation
Another reason people hire a caregiver is to allow their loved ones to travel without worrying about their safety.
As people grow, their eyesight weakens, and their muscles become stiff. Because of this, it’s unwise to let senior citizens drive. But at the same time, you can’t force them to stay home all day.
Hiring a caregiver is an excellent solution to the problem.
They would accompany your loved one wherever they go and whenever they want.
- 3. Administers Medications
Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging.
Although the condition is not life-threatening on its own, it can cause problems for those with chronic diseases.
For instance, senior citizens with terminal illnesses are required to take multiple medications in a day. Forgetting to do so can severely affect their health.
Keeping this in mind, a caregiver doesn’t only remind older adults to take medicine but helps administer it as well.
- 4. Becomes a Companion
According to a report by Duke-NUS Medical School, 34% of senior citizens perceive themselves to be lonely. And if you think from their perspective, it’s understandable why they feel that way.
When children become busy in their lives, they can hardly make time for their parents. Combine that with having nothing to do all day, and feeling isolated is only natural for older adults.
Fortunately, a caregiver can provide the companionship your loved one yearns for. In addition to assisting with basic tasks, a caregiver becomes their friend, which keeps all the negative feelings at bay.
- 5. Develops a Care Plan
Since every senior citizen’s health condition varies, a caregiver must develop a highly personalized care plan. While doing so, they might even have to connect with your loved one’s local doctor.
Apart from developing a care plan, a caregiver monitors it regularly and changes it if necessary. And it’s your responsibility to ask them about the updates.
This way, you can ensure your beloved receives the best care.
- 6. Prepares Meals
Older adults have to follow strict dietary guidelines; they can’t eat the food made for everyone else in the family.
You could make two meals thrice a day, but you already have enough on your plate as it is.
Well, that’s where a caregiver can ease your burdens.
Whether your loved one wants to cook their meals or have the caregiver prepare for them, both can be arranged.
- 7. Performs Exercises
Exercise should be an integral part of every person’s life, irrespective of age. But it’s especially recommended for older adults because maintaining an active lifestyle can:
- Improve mental health
- Prevent bone loss
- Increase breathing and heart rate
- Enhance mobility and flexibility
- Help prevent chronic diseases
You’d be glad to know that some caregivers have received special training to provide senior-friendly exercise. And even if they don’t, they’ll accompany your loved one for a stroll in a park, which would prove immensely helpful in improving their overall well-being.
Now that you know what a caregiver can do, let’s look at what they can’t:
- Heavy-Duty Housekeeping
Just because you’ve hired a caregiver for your loved one doesn’t mean you should treat them like a maid. While they may help the senior citizen with light housekeeping, such as doing laundry or changing sheets, don’t expect them to scrub the floors. Remember: the caregiver only provides services to those hired, not others.
- Highly Skilled Medical Care
Another thing you can’t ask the caregiver to do is to provide highly skilled medical care services. Doing so would put them in an awkward position and potentially break the law. Not to forget, it could pose a threat to your loved one’s health. Therefore, keep the caregiver only for administering medicine.
- Prescribing Medications
Continuing on the previous point, don’t expect the caregiver to prescribe medications. That can only be done by experienced healthcare professionals aware of your loved one’s health condition. Steer clear of any agency that claims to have caregivers who can prescribe medicine. You should only consult experts for this matter, and those who provide caregiving services are not them.
Over to You
Hopefully, you now understand what being a caregiver is all about; it’s a challenging yet highly rewarding job. And only a few perform it with utmost dedication and commitment – just like our caregivers.
So, instead of wasting your time and energy running after other agencies, connect with Top Faith today to hire a qualified caregiver for your loved one.
How Caregivers Can Help Seniors with Physical and Mental Health
Old age is the most unexpected thing to happen to people. Its companions include diseases and illnesses, lack of mobility, and a decline in the psychological state of mind. Due to this, most seniors resort to an inactive lifestyle.
Statistics About Elderly Individuals in Singapore
Singapore is one of the most aging populations in Asia.
Although elderly individuals accounted for almost 17% of the population in 2021, it’s expected to exceed 33.3% by 2050.
Besides that, Singapore has the highest age expectancy in the world.
But that’s only one side of the coin.
The real challenge lies in undetected and undiagnosed mental and physical health issues.
While family members play a vital role in caring for their elderly loved one, it’s not always enough. With work and other social obligations, the ones neglected are no other than seniors.
The Impact of Ignoring Mental Health
When seniors are left to tend to themselves or sent to assisted living facilities, it impacts their mental state.
According to WHO, mental health issues can lead to deteriorating conditions, with depression and anxiety disorders making it to the top. In worse situations, elderly adults may resort to substance abuse as well.
Initially, the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety are ignored. Family members might mark it as general tiredness or a result of having a bad, unproductive day.
But the reality is much deeper than that.
What starts as a trivial issue can quickly transition to something sinister. For example, you might find your loved one:
- Avoiding social gatherings
- Staying in their rooms or
- Refusing to go out.
In anxiety disorders, older adults may fear falling, hallucinate, or have panic attacks for no apparent reason.
Finally, worsening depression and feelings of doom can lead an elderly individual to substance abuse. It’s one of the reasons nursing homes have special classes to help seniors overthrow addictive behaviors.
However, nursing homes can be costly to bear. And that’s where live-in caregivers play a pivotal role.
Read Also: Live-in Care or Nursing Home: What’s Better?
A Caregiver’s Role in Improving Mental Health
Caregivers are trained and compassionate individuals who care for seniors in their times of need. Although the general idea is that caregivers can only assist in physical activities, there is more to it than meets the eye.
A trained caregiver can help their client break through the shackles of loneliness and impending doom.
How do they do this? By providing their companionship.
And it goes beyond being a mere physical presence. Instead, it’s about actively engaging with elders in their favorite activities. These include:
- Playing cards or board games
- Going grocery shopping with them
- Running errands
- Enjoying a cup of tea together
- Going on walks
- Or sharing life experiences
The simple act of dedicating time does wonders. And that’s what caregivers are trained for.
Seniors and Physical Health
Chronic diseases, immobility, and neurological illnesses are significant deterrents to an active lifestyle. As a result, it forces seniors to choose indoors over a stroll in the park.
For patients with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, it becomes more of a liability for family members as such patients are prone to wandering away and losing their way back home.
Some adults fear injury, so they avoid walking or climbing stairs altogether.
Neglecting these signs can lead to frequent hospitalizations and doctor’s visits. That’s why it’s crucial to nip it in the bud and hire professionals who can become the support system for your elderly loved ones.
How Caregivers Help Older Adults with Physical Activities
The level of care your loved one needs depends on their unique condition. You can choose a live-in caregiver if your elderly family member needs 24/7 assistance. But hiring a caregiver for a few hours or during the daytime would also suffice to help the senior maintain physical activity.
Here’s how caregivers can help adults with a healthy lifestyle:
As a general rule of thumb, caregivers are assigned to take elders to and from the toilets, and help them bathe, dress up, and groom. If the senior wishes, caregivers can take them for a walk around the house or neighborhood to socialize.
Apart from that, the physical activities caregivers can help with include:
Exercises to Maintain Balance
One of the worst factors contributing to injuries in seniors is falling. In fact, one in three elders over 65 falls annually. This is a prime factor preventing older adults from taking a step alone.
Balance exercises help by improving stability and reducing the risk of falls.
With a one-on-one caregiver-client interaction, your loved one can learn to stay proactive without falling. These exercises include watching if a senior:
- can walk in a straight line
- can hold a leg up for a couple of seconds
- perform light Tai Chi
Exercises to Make Bodies Flexible
Activities of Daily Living require some movement of the limbs. For example, while dressing up, taking a bath, or placing things on a shelf while cleaning. However, a sedentary lifestyle can stiffen the limbs.
Flexibility exercises are designed to assist in routine activities.
During the exercise, a caregiver oversees the senior taking position on the floor, sitting with a leg extended, and the upper body bent towards the leg.
The step may feel small initially. But it can lead to improved life quality with a compassionate caregiver looking after the elderly adult.
Exercises to Increase Strength
It’s no surprise that limbs and muscles become weak with age. As a result, the simple act of holding a child or a grocery basket becomes too much. That’s why strength exercises can come in handy to strengthen muscles.
These exercises include light weightlifting using props, such as tennis balls and vegetable cans.
The Final Word
They say it takes a village to raise a child. We’d add that it needs all hands on deck to take care of seniors, too.
So, while the primary responsibility of caring for aging family members falls on your shoulders, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t make time.
Instead, reach out to us at Top Faith and place your trust in our caregivers to care for your loved ones like their own.
Benefits of Hiring a Caregiver for In-Home Help
It always begins on a small scale.
- You tell your mom to cook nasi lemak, your favorite dish, but she serves you laksa.
- Your dad, who has been paying bills his whole life, is becoming increasingly forgetful of his task.
- Your grandma has never missed your birthday. This year, though, she wasn’t the first person to wish you; she wasn’t even the last.
- Your datuk used to help you with gardening every Sunday. However, you’ve been doing it alone for the past few weeks.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your loved one or something about them seems ‘off,’ it may be time to hire a live-in caregiver.
(For more information about live-in caregivers, please check out our blog: Hiring a Caregiver for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know)
They can significantly affect the patient’s and the employer’s lives.
Here’s how you can expect a caregiver to ease your burdens:
- 1. Freedom
Just because your loved one has gotten old doesn’t mean they wish to stay cooped up in the house all day. On the contrary, they still want to go out, albeit on their own terms.
That’s where a live-in caregiver comes in.
Whether visiting a friend or taking a stroll in the park, the caregiver will stay with the patient 24/7.
This way, the senior citizen won’t have to depend on anyone else, which would help maintain their sense of freedom.
And you won’t have to check in every few minutes to ensure they’re doing okay.
- 2. Companionship
As parents grow old, so do children. They get married, and the same boy who couldn’t even tie his shoelaces without requiring assistance is running after his child to tie his shoelaces.
Although it’s a circle of life, parents often feel neglected and unwanted because of this.
But a caregiver can help fight the loneliness.
In addition to assisting your loved one with their daily tasks, a caregiver practically becomes their friend.
Together, the patient and the caregiver can play games, watch movies, or pour their hearts out to each other.
- 3. Transportation
Due to the age factor, an illness, or a disability, your loved one may not be able to drive anymore. Asking them to hand over the keys of their vehicle will be heartbreaking.
Fortunately, the patient doesn’t need to give up transportation entirely. Accompanied by a caregiver, they can go wherever and whenever they want.
This way, by maintaining an active social life, the older adult would not harbor negative feelings like anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
Furthermore, you would be relieved from taking your parent to places, including the hospital or a friend’s house.
- 4. Comfortability
When your loved one requires more care than you can provide, you’ll be tempted to admit them into a nursing home. However, it’s not the best decision, and the person for whom the decision is being made will say the same.
(We’ve discussed this in detail in our blog, Live-In Caregiver or Nursing Home: Which Is Better?)
Think about it: you’ve lived somewhere comfortably and peacefully your whole life. And then, one day, you’re told to leave it for good.
Wouldn’t that come as a shock to you?
That’s precisely how the senior citizen will feel.
On the other hand, when you hire an in-house caregiver, they won’t have to make any changes to their lifestyle, let alone residence.
- 5. Health
A live-in caregiver reminds patients when to take medicine and helps administer it. But those who are on an advanced level and have received special training can also perform the following tasks:
- Monitor and record vital signs
- Administer insulin for managing diabetes
- Drain urine through a catheter
This means in an unfortunate case where the patient’s condition exacerbates, the experienced caregiver would provide immediate assistance. And sometimes, these skills can help keep an individual stable until they’re taken to a hospital.
So, in a way, a caregiver can save an individual’s life during life-or-death situations.
- 6. Peace
Until now, we’ve discussed how hiring a live-in caregiver can help the patient. But what about the employer? Do they receive any advantages as well?
Well, you’d be glad to know that, yes, they do.
And on top of that list is peace of mind.
Being a caregiver is a stressful job. But at the same time, you have to perform it to the fullest, considering it concerns your loved one’s overall well-being.
Consequently, it’ll drain your energy, making you feel fatigued and disconnected from those around you.
All these problems have one solution: an in-house caregiver.
Your worries will wash away with their arrival.
- 7. Hope
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Desmon Tutu
Aging is a natural phenomenon, but that doesn’t stop people from dreading it.
It’s like having the Sword of Damocles hanging over your head, which could fall at any time.
But there’s someone who can make the time easy to pass by – a caregiver.
Apart from being qualified and friendly, they are sympathetic.
A caregiver understands what your loved one is going through and helps them see the light at the end of the tunnel.
And to be honest, we could all use someone like that, one who encourages you to count the rainbows, not the thunderstorms.
The Ball Is in Your Court
Your loved one deserves the best possible care, and hiring a live-in caregiver is a surefire way of making it happen. Not only would it prove invaluable for them, but you, too.
As for where you can hire qualified and trained caregivers, Top Faith is the name to remember. Our team consists of compassionate individuals who have made helping others a dominating part of their personalities.
We promise to make you proud of your decision.
8 Qualities a Caregiver Must Have
Becoming a caregiver is arguably one of the most selfless things you can do in life.
When you tend to someone’s physical and emotional needs without expecting anything in return, you’ve achieved the highest level of altruism. This is especially true if the patient is a stranger.
But as someone in need of a caregiver, you might be oblivious to this.
As a result, you’ll feel skeptical – and that’s completely fine.
You want nothing but the best for your loved one, which is why you have every right to ensure the caregiver you hire checks all the right boxes.
Luckily, we can help you with that.
Having served the industry for quite some time, we recognize the traits a caregiver must possess that make them the one. In fact, we screen applicants keeping these qualities as the touchstone.
Let’s see what they are:
- 1. Caregivers Should Be Patient
Typically, people hire caregivers for their aging loved ones.
And it’s universally accepted that senior citizens can experience severe mood swings, going from calm to angry within minutes.
This shouldn’t bother a caregiver; instead, they should be patient enough to put up with older adults’ tantrums.
Exhibiting patience becomes even more important when dealing with those who have dementia. The caregivers will need to act as an invisible force, guiding the patient as they go on about their daily life.
- 2. Caregivers Should Be Compassionate
Did you know the word ‘compassion’ has roots in Latin?
It comes from passio and com, meaning ‘to suffer’ and ‘with,’ respectively.
Combining the terms gives you ‘to suffer with.’
That’s precisely what being a caregiver is about: they’re not just there for the patient; they’re with them through thick and thin.
And what better way to demonstrate this than being compassionate?
It helps create an environment where the senior citizen feels comfortable, relaxed, and, most importantly, wanted.
- 3. Caregivers Should Be Dependable
During the initial days, the patient for whom the caregiver is hired will feel hostile. They might even show resentment by acting unusually.
However, it’s the caregiver’s duty to prove themselves trustworthy and reliable.
And not just for the first few days but throughout the duration for which their services are hired.
Apart from helping establish trust with the patient, being dependable convinces the employer that they made the right decision by hiring the caregiver.
- 4. Caregivers Should Be Passionate
If caregivers consider taking care of someone a job, that’s all it’ll ever be for them. With each passing day, they’ll find less joy in it, wishing to escape the rut – a psychological phenomenon known as ‘caregiver burnout.’
(If you’d like to read more about caregiver burnout, read our blog: What Is Caregiver Burnout & How Can You Prevent It?)
On the other hand, if the caregivers are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, there will never come a moment when they wish to be discharged from their responsibilities.
For that reason, the caregiver must never lose the spark that made them choose this profession in the first place.
- 5. Caregivers Should Be Personable
In this context, personable means understanding the senior citizen’s specific requirements.
Since they have varying needs, how they’re treated should also be unique.
For instance, some older adults prefer spending most of their time at home, while others are fond of taking a stroll in a park or garden.
The caregiver must know how to cater to both.
And this goes beyond the patients’ temperaments; their health conditions also vary, which the caregiver ought to understand.
- 6. Caregivers Should Be Humorous
We can’t emphasize this enough – there’s more to caregiving than bathing or dressing. The caregiver assumes the role of a companion to take care of the patient’s overall well-being.
And that includes knowing when and how to lighten up the mood. This creates a special bond between the caregiver and the senior citizen – one that’s characterized by respect, compassion, and fun.
Furthermore, having a good sense of humor proves that the caregiver is capable of handling tense situations.
- 7. Caregivers Should Be Confidential
The caregiver stays with the patient 24/7.
Since they’re so involved in the senior citizens’ lives, they become aware of even the smallest of details.
What the caregiver does with that information says a lot about them.
A good and trustworthy caregiver will never disclose things the older adult wouldn’t want them to, as long as it doesn’t put their health at risk.
Remember, the objective is to cultivate a healthy relationship. And sharing private information does the exact opposite.
- 8. Caregivers Should Be Optimistic
Being a caregiver is a rewarding job, but it isn’t without a few challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles is having a positive outlook on life.
If the caregiver isn’t optimistic, it’ll translate to their actions, which, in turn, will affect the patient.
For that reason, the caregiver must hope for things to get better and assure the senior citizen of the same.
Smiling in the face of adversity is difficult, but those who do it, nothing can dim their light.
We Rise by Lifting Others
To sum it all up, a caregiver should be:
- Patient
- Compassionate
- Dependable
- Passionate
- Personable
- Humorous
- Confidential
- Optimistic
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible for a single caregiver to possess all these qualities, you haven’t met Top Faith’s caregivers. They’ll go above and beyond to ensure your loved one lives a happy, freeing, and fulfilling life.
So, connect with us today and let our caregivers lighten your load.
Live-in Caregiver or Nursing Home: Which Is Better?
We barely give a second thought to getting older when young. But the reality sinks in once a person crosses their 60s.
In the USA alone, more than 16.9% of the population comprises seniors who require constant care and support to live independent lives. Consequently, it puts the responsibility on family members to decide the best solution.
And yet, you might find yourself in a fix between choosing a live-in caregiver or placing your loved one in a nursing home.
What Is Live-in Care?
Live-in care means hiring an individual for 24/7 care of your loved one. Live-in caregivers are professionally trained to meet the unique needs of the person they care for. The general assistance these individuals provide includes Activities of Daily Living. These are:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Meal preparation & eating
- Mobility
- Medication reminders & administration
What Is Nursing Care?
Nursing homes are assisted facilities with professional staff to care for the residents. These are secure places that cater to old individuals who can’t be cared for at home.
How to Decide if You Need Live-in Care or Nursing Home?
Despite the differences, both live-in care and nursing homes have their advantages and disadvantages. But several factors can help you decide which to choose.
Understand the Level of Care Required
Understanding the care level your loved one needs requires thorough scrutiny. Start by observing if:
- Your loved one requires assistance to perform acts of daily living.
- You can’t leave your loved one unattended for a day or two.
- The medical condition of your loved one needs 24/7 care.
- Your loved one needs help with medication reminders.
If any of the above statements ring true, then live-in care is the best option. On the other hand, a nursing home is critical if a senior needs advanced medical treatment and therapies.
Consider Your Budget
Your budget is a significant contributor to forming a decision. So, once you’ve concluded the care your beloved family member requires, you can choose between either of the two.
If the level of care is considerably low and does not need a skilled caregiver, live-in care is a perfect choice. But the cost of live-in care can surge if you hire a professional nurse for 24/7 care.
In comparison, nursing homes charge monthly, which can be an added financial strain for some families.
Determine Social Factors
Studies show that older adults live longer and with an improved life quality at home. Most seniors prefer staying at home to moving to a strange place. However, the social factors vary based on the needed assistance and care.
Live-in caregivers are said to form long-term bonds with the people they care for. Since they stay round-the-clock with a person, it becomes an excellent opportunity to share stories and memories, provide companionship, and accompany them in their times of need.
Nursing homes, too, have socializing elements, with several seniors residing in one place. Although strangers initially, older adults are known to socialize with others, which negates depression and loneliness.
Despite all these facts, your loved one’s unique requirements and preferences play a pivotal role in deciding what to choose.
We’ll let you be the judge by stating the white, black, and gray in plain sight.
Pros & Cons of Nursing Homes
Pros
Immediate Medical Attention – Nursing homes have medical professionals. These include highly qualified doctors and trained nurses to look after your loved ones’ medical conditions. It’s especially helpful if your family member has dementia or Alzheimer’s, as these chronic conditions demand additional care.
Less Stress for Family Members – As a family member you might feel guilty about not giving time to your aging loved one. Whether it’s due to career or family, the stress is real.
Placing your beloved family member can lift some guilt off your shoulders. Besides, it gives the peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for.
Safe & Secure Surroundings – Nursing home facilities are the safest option to choose if your loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The buildings are secure and guarded by efficient individuals who prevent older adults from wandering away
Cons
Less Independence – The rules and regulations in a nursing home can feel too binding to a senior. Since they’ve spent all their lives living freely, being told when to eat, sleep, or socialize can be demeaning.
Feeling of Abandonment – One of the worst fears of older adults is dying in their old age, abandoned by family and friends. Nursing homes transform this fear into reality. With several strange faces surrounding them, adjusting to a new place can be jarring. It’s one of the reasons for the high rise of depression and mental disorders in nursing home residents.
Expensive – As mentioned earlier, nursing homes charge at a monthly rate. This might be impossible for families to manage, even if their loved one needs constant medical care.
Pros & Cons of Hiring a Live-in Caregiver
Pros
Aging in Place – If there is a gift you can give to an older family member, it’s helping them age in place. And live-in care provides that chance. When a live-in caregiver assists your loved one in their activities of daily living, it improves the quality of life and physical health.
Sense of Freedom – Older adults prefer sticking to their schedule or doing whatever they like without being told. And when you help them age in place, it opens the doors to freedom and independence. For example, they can decide when they want to eat, sleep, bathe, or enjoy social gatherings.
Affordable – Live-in care is cost-effective and affordable if your loved one doesn’t need medical help. You may hire live-in caregivers in shifts, with one replacing the other after the day ends.
Cons
Background Check – The burden of responsibility lies on your shoulder to check the background of the person you’re hiring. Besides, you must ask for their training certificate, skillset, and experience.
Less Privacy – Having a live-in caregiver at home impacts your privacy. You might feel like you’re constantly being watched or that you can’t do your daily routine as you like. It’s also uneasy for couples who prefer family time above anything else.
Home Modifications – One of the pros of live-in care is the specific modifications you must make to your home. These include:
- Ensuring you have a spare room for the caregiver to stay
- Making your home fall-proof for your loved one’s safety
- Installing security cameras to keep an eye on things (optional)
Conclusion
No matter what you decide, know that Top Faith has its clients’ best interests at heart. We have qualified and trained live-in caregivers to help your aging loved ones enjoy their lives to the fullest.
So, reach out to us to discuss your unique needs, and we’ll see how we can help.
What Is Caregiver Burnout & How Can You Prevent It?
According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), there are approximately 210,000 caregivers in Singapore. Most of them have given up their careers and dreams to be physically and emotionally present for their loved ones.
As noble the deed may be, it comes with a significant challenge, one that caregivers are well aware of but deliberately ignore – stress.
Taking care of a bedridden loved one can be an extremely stressful experience. However, most caregivers brush it off, citing love or obligation as the reason for doing so.
But that’s not how it should be.
The stress accumulates over time, and if left unchecked, there comes a time when you can no longer bear it, leading to ‘caregiver burnout.’
If you’re hearing about this for the first time, you’re not alone.
Many people experience caregiver burnout despite not knowing what it is.
Well, that’s where we come in.
We’re writing this blog to help you understand the concept as well as how you can prevent it.
So, let’s get to it:
What Is Caregiver Burnout?
Also known as caregiver fatigue, caregiver burnout refers to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from the burden of taking caring of a loved one.
It’s often accompanied by a range of negative emotions, such as feeling:
- Depressed
- Anxious
- Underappreciated
- Alone
- Unsupported
Caregiving burnout can be so intense that you start feeling guilty for prioritizing your needs over others.
(Remember To Read: 5 Reasons Why Caregiving Is a Meaningful Job)
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Caregiver Fatigue?
The symptoms of caregiver fatigue are quite similar to those of anxiety or depression. They can be physical and emotional, including but not limited to:
- Too much or too little sleep
- Withdrawal from social gatherings, like friends or family
- Loss of interest in activities you used to find exciting
- Overreacting to even the smallest of issues
- Projecting angry outbursts on those around you
- Resentment towards your caregiving duties
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling you’ve lost control of your life
- Thoughts of hurting the person you’re taking care of
How To Prevent Caregiver Burnout?
The first thing you need to understand is that caring for your loved one can never be stress-free. Since your personal life clashes with your professional life, it’ll be challenging to find a balance considering you can leave neither.
Fortunately, you can ease your burdens and prevent caregiver fatigue by following a few tips. Here’s what they are:
- 1. Accept Your Responsibilities
It often feels unfair to take care of your loved one. You constantly ask yourself, ‘Why me?’. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to this question, which is why you need to accept it as it is.
So, look at the situation positively instead of feeling sorry for yourself. Hope that the good you are doing now will be returned to you in one way or another.
- 2. Ask For Help
Many times, caregivers experience burnout because they’re managing everything by themselves. But you’d be surprised to know how many friends or family members would be willing to lend a helping hand – if you ask for it.
Finding someone else to replace you for a few days can give you the time to recharge and re-energize. And if no one’s available, you can approach companies that provide qualified caregiving services.
- 3. Make Time for Yourself
Just because you’re caring for someone doesn’t mean you can’t step out. Depending on your loved one’s condition, you should consider it.
For instance, if they have just taken medication and need a few minutes of rest, you can step out, bask in the sun, and breathe fresh air.
No one’s telling you to vanish for hours, but taking a stroll down the neighborhood should be enough.
- 4. Share Your Feelings
Sometimes, all you need to lessen your emotional baggage is to share them with someone. It could be a colleague or neighbor, as long as you get to talk about your feelings.
Although we don’t recommend this to everyone because of budget constraints, if you can afford it, talk to a professional therapist. They are better equipped to handle what you’re going through and can suggest possible treatments to make you feel better.
- 5. Take Some Time Off
One of the primary reasons you feel stressed while tending to your loved one is because you’re walking and chewing gum at the same time. This means you’re fulfilling personal obligations and performing professional tasks simultaneously.
Since it would be unwise to give up your family for your career, take a few days off work. And considering companies in Singapore allow 12 days of annual leave, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Because Family Is Irreplaceable
We get it – taking care of an ill or bedridden family member can put you at a crossroads. On the one hand, you want to be there for them. But on the other, you have to look after yourself too, so you don’t feel burnt out.
The good news is, you can lessen the stress of your caregiving duties to a great extent by following the tips we’ve mentioned above. And in the rare event they don’t work, rest assured; you’ve got a better alternative – Top Faith.
We’re one of the leading agencies in Singapore known for employing the most qualified caregiving professionals. Whether you want to hire one on a temporary or permanent basis, our caregivers will tend to your loved one so you can take a much-needed break.
Hiring a Live-In Caregiver for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know
As much as it pains your heart, there comes a time when you can no longer take care of your loved one. Since you’re stuck between professional matters and personal obligations, it’s best to let someone else take care of those who can’t do it themselves.
But the question arises, how do you find a kind live-in caregiver who will look after your beloved as well as you do – or even better?
Although you’ll find many companies who claim to have qualified professionals, you can’t take a chance. What you can do, however, is keep a few things in mind before hiring a live-in caregiver. And we’re writing this blog to let you know what they are.
And we’re writing this blog to let you know what they are.
Once you’re done reading, you’ll be in a better position to hire an in-home caregiver.
What Is a Live-In Caregiver?
A live-in caregiver is a fully trained and qualified individual hired to look after a patient. They live in the employer’s home and perform assistance with daily tasks, such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Traveling
- Cleaning
- Meal preparation
Although live-in caregivers are primarily hired for senior citizens, there’s no hard and fast rule that states you have to belong to a particular age group to employ them.
What Are the Qualifications of a Caregiver?
Caregivers must have received formal education from a reputable institution. It can be a diploma, degree, or certificate. And if not that, they must go through 6-12 months of training.
The primary objective of any training is to develop the following skills in the caregivers:
- Communication
- Patience
- Empathy
- Stamina
- Time management
- Problem-solving
Taking care of someone as if they’re your family is a mentally and physically taxing job. Therefore, those planning to advance in this field must be prepared for the accompanying challenges.
(Also Read: 6 Duties a Caregiver Should be Proficient in)
Things to Do Before Hiring an In-Home Caregiver
- Assess Your Needs
Every patient has different requirements; some want physical assistance, while others need moral support – a companion of sorts. Because of this, it’s crucial that you evaluate what your loved one needs a helping hand with.
Once you narrow it down, things will be much easier down the road.
- 2. Talk to Everyone About It
Hiring a live-in caregiver should always be a mutual decision, especially if more than one person will bear the expenses. So, talk to everyone in your family about it.
And not just the costs, but the responsibilities as well.
Since the caregiver will be living with you, someone would need to feed them, wash their clothes, and perform other tasks.
- 3. Set A Budget
In-home caregivers charge differently depending on their level, qualification, experience, and the patient’s condition and requirements. It can range anywhere between S$600 to S$1300 per month.
Whether you will be paying it alone or sharing the amount with someone else, it’s better to set a budget first. By doing so, you won’t be overburdened with the costs later on.
- 4. Perform Background Checks
Before hiring a live-in caregiver, make sure to run a background check.
Some people might say you’re being unreasonable, but when it’s about caring for your loved one, you shouldn’t compromise on anything.
If you’re using an agency, ask them about the vetting process. This would put your mind at ease and assure you that you’re doing the right thing.
- 5. Meet with Your Caregiver
Analyzing an in-home caregiver’s online profile is a lot different than meeting them in person. As you conduct a one-on-one meeting, you learn more about their skills and process.
Keeping this in mind, don’t hesitate to ask if you could meet the caregiver. And if possible, include the patient in the session. This way, you’ll figure out if they’re a good match for each other.
- 6. Check for Reviews
These days, reading reviews about an individual or a company has become quite easy. With just a click, you can find out what others had to say about their experiences.
Implement this strategy on the live-in caregiver you’re going to employ. It’s highly possible that those who worked with them left a positive or negative comment. Based on that, you can decide whether the caregiver is worth hiring or not.
- 7. Ask About a Care Plan
A qualified in-home caregiver develops an in-depth care plan beforehand. It has all the information related to the patient, including:
- The patient’s emergency contact
- The patient’s allergies
- Duties that need to be performed
- Dietary requirements of the patient
- The daily tasks of the patient
Ready to Hire a Live-In Caregiver?
As you can tell, hiring an in-home caregiver can be exhausting, even more so if it’s your first time. But there’s no need to panic. Just let the pointers of this blog serve as guidelines, and you’ll be good to go.
And if that sounds like too much, consider talking to Top Faith. We have employed kind, qualified, and compassionate caregivers passionate about making a difference in your life.
We will take proper care of your loved one, leaving you free to attend that birthday party or watch a movie.
6 Duties a Caregiver Should be Proficient in
Caregiving, despite being a rewarding profession, is equally demanding. A caregiver works much harder than we assume. Most people underestimate the hard work done by a caregiver, taking them as a person hired to care for their loved ones. But a role of a caregiver is a lot more than that.
Caregivers are not merely responsible for looking after someone’s wellbeing and medical condition. But they are also a full-time companion and helper of the person they care for.
It takes a lot to look after someone’s health and wellbeing. Caring for someone is a big responsibility, no matter how strong your bond with the person is. And you have to be extra careful if the person has any disability or is too aged to perform independently.
Caregiving not only demands you to be compassionate towards others but also asks for the passion that makes you take this role. Combining relevant knowledge, skillset, and empathy makes you a good caregiver.
But this is all about what makes you a good caregiver. When it comes to a caregiver’s duties and responsibilities, it is not an easy job. Caregiving is an overwhelming profession and even affects your wellbeing because of what it demands.
Let’s learn what some of the duties and responsibilities you as a caregiver should perform.
General Health Care
Caregivers are no medical help providers. They are people having a passion for looking after someone’s health needs by assisting them in their routine activities. However, caregiving does back them with enough medical knowledge that they can utilize while looking after someone’s health needs.
Some of the primary healthcare duties of a caregiver include:
- Following care plan
- Following diet plan
- Monitoring medication
Medication Management
A person’s medical needs usually depend on their health condition and the support level required. But as a caregiver, you should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to work around health-related technologies to keep track of their medical needs.
Caregivers undergo an extended training session, which helps them understand medical terms, back them with knowledge, and enhance their caregiving skills.
Apart from that, a caregiver should be well-versed in assessing the pain levels, chronic conditions, and actions that should be taken in times of emergency. Moreover, keeping a tab on doctor’s appointments, medicines, and required health precautions of older individuals are all labeled as caregivers’ essential duties.
However, a caregiver’s role is not just limited to medical information and health needs, it goes way beyond that.
Personal Care Needs
As much as a caregiver should be good at assessing elderly individuals’ health conditions, they should equally be efficient in looking after their personal needs. With time, older adults struggle with basic routine activities like bathing, dressing, etc., and need someone to assist them. That is where a caregiver steps in to make things easier for these aging souls.
Some of the personal care responsibilities of a caregiver include:
- Taking care of personal hygiene
- Assisting in washroom
- Assisting in mobility
- Helping in grooming
- Assisting while exercising and more
Giving a helping hand to older adults in performing basic activities helps them remain independent. Besides, as a caregiver, you learn to be more patient and understanding towards others which in the long run enables you to perform the duties with more dedication and empathy.
Light Housekeeping
As a caregiver, you are trained to be an all-rounder. Apart from taking care of medical needs, a caregiver must also be proficient in helping with basic household chores.
Being around a stove and other home appliances could harm someone who struggles with their health. Moreover, older individuals often find it challenging to run home errands on their own. Considering such situations, caregivers are responsible for helping senior adults in basic housekeeping activities, which include:
- Meal planning
- Food preparation
- Laundry and drying
- Making grocery lists and more
Someone must stay around old individuals to track their diet and intake of the nutrient. For this reason, caregivers should be skilled in preparing meals so that they can take care of people’s specific diet requirements.
Companionship
Another caregiver’s responsibility is to be there for older people to accompany them in activities that give them joy.
Being isolated at home due to health conditions can affect the mental health of aging individuals. You, as a caregiver, offer them meaningful companionship and emotional support while looking after their health needs.
And what’s better than being a source of someone’s stability and happiness?
Transportation
Transportation can be a huge problem for someone with health issues, especially if they are aged. Therefore, being available to provide transportation facilities to and from the destination is one of the duties of a caregiver.
Having someone around to take care of all transportation needs, like taking to follow-up appointments, service centers, parks, etc., can be a source of relief for older people.
Final Word
Top Faith provides equal opportunity to all people with a passion for helping others. So, if you are interested in being a part of our extensive caregiving team, feel free to contact us.
