Caregiver's Job Description

Caregiving "opportunities" are on the rise ! America's population is growing gray and living on average up to 15 years longer than their parents generation. Studies show that:
   59% of adults are or expect to be a family caregiver;
   27% of adults provided caregiving in the past year;
   80% of home care is provided by family members;
   50% of those over 85 years old require caregiving;
   54% of caregivers are between age  35 and 64 !   

   Age:                                                      No minimum or maximum
   Sex:                                                                           Male or female
   Race:                                   Black, brown, red, yellow, and white
   Prior caregiving experience:                                 None required
   Location:                                                     Anywhere in the world
   Relationship to patient:                   Can be related or unrelated
   Patient disorders:                               Chronic illness or disabilities
   Patients                        Parents, siblings, lovers, children, spouses,                                                   
                                        aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and others
   Compensation:                         Volunteer and paid professional
   Length of workday:                                                  24 hours.. plus
   Length of assignment:                          Several days to a lifetime

  Make life and death decisions in an instant.
  Assist with or perform activities of daily living such as   
        feeding, bathing and dressing.
   Manage housework, meals, laundry and groceries.
   Administer medication and other healthcare tasks.
   Provide emotional support and companionship.
   Assume legal responsibilities.
   Consult with healthcare professionals.
   Stand up for patient's needs against all odds, including   
       disagreeing with family members and care professionals.
   Ensure that others don't take advantage of patient.
   Secure environment so that patient is physically safe.
   Be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
   Plan activities for people who may not have memory or mobility.
   Chart and record key information about patient.
   Watch patient deteriorate and/or die.
   Be emotionally strong...caregiving can provoke intense sadness.