Many people in Phoenix who become family caregivers believe that they are doing their loved one a favor, because rather than hiring a professional home caregiver which can make seniors feel like they’re losing independence; receiving care from a family member can make seniors feel like they’re just spending quality time with someone they love. Of course, this is not the reality; but beyond the illusion that sometimes comes with family care, there are also potential safety implications. Very few family caregivers receive training in proper safety techniques for senior caregiving; methods to identify hazards in the home, recognizing signs or symptoms of serious illness, or even basic CPR. As a result of this lack of training, family caregivers are putting their loved ones at risk since they are ill-equipped to respond to medical emergencies, and may inadvertently cause harm to the seniors they care for.

While family caregivers feel that they’re doing their loved one a favor by saving them from the indignity of losing independence by accepting help from someone who isn’t family, they might really be doing them a disservice. Instead of choosing a family caregiver for a senior, consider hiring Home Instead Senior Care in Phoenix to provide home care services. Professional caregivers are trained in the following:

• First aid

• Safe caregiving techniques

• Identifying signs and symptoms of potential illness

• Specific Alzheimer’s care

Sources:

1. Seniors Daily
2. Home Instead Senior Care

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Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.