Are your parents getting on in years and you'd like to make sure their needs are met? Make sure their quality of life is maintained by hiring a carer for the elderly! This home help professional will look after your loved ones as if they were his or her own. Find out more about this wonderful profession.

What is a carer?

An assistant, support worker or care assistant is someone who helps the elderly with all their day-to-day tasks. This professional does not perform medical acts, but helps the senior to maintain a pleasant living environment. They can help with household tasks such as cleaning, tidying up, preparing meals and ironing, as well as running errands for the elderly person.

As part of their job, they may also be required to help maintain their client's personal hygiene. In this case, they will help with bathing, dressing and optimising self-confidence (make-up, hair brushing, shaving, etc.).

What about mental well-being?

The role of the support worker is obviously not limited to carrying out everyday tasks. They also contribute to the psychological well-being of the seniors who employ them. To do this, they organise outings (shows, walks, etc.) and games that stimulate the mind.

The carer also acts as a confidant and an attentive ear to whom the elderly person can confide in complete safety. This prevents social isolation.

Does the carer provide medical care?

Companions do not normally provide medical care (unless they have a nursing diploma). However, their role does include the responsibility of spotting signs of low energy or other health problems. In the event of such problems appearing, he or she must contact the appropriate authorities (nurses, fire brigade, ambulance, etc.). His presence ensures that any problems are dealt with quickly.

They can also take medication if prescribed by a doctor. 

However, the vast majority of carers are trained in first aid techniques and can therefore provide assistance to people in danger. In an emergency situation, the carer can perform a cardiac massage while waiting for a medical team to arrive.

Maintaining independence

Auxiliary carers help elderly people suffering from dependency or disability to avoid being placed in a nursing home. The most complex tasks are taken care of by the professional, ensuring that the senior remains pleasantly at home. Their vital needs, such as eating and washing, are met, but their independence is also encouraged.

Do you know someone who could benefit from this service? Don't hesitate to talk to them about the homecare profession. It could improve their living conditions and those of their loved ones.