A direct caregiver is someone who physically cares for someone in need. They perform various tasks in order to make the client comfortable and healthy. Direct caregivers often work in conjunction with other caregivers or medical staff and social workers to reach an adequate plan of care for a patient.
Need
Direct caregivers offer different services to those who cannot help themselves. Some patients need minimal care while others depend on a caregiver for their optimal health and survival. Elderly and the geriatric population are the most in need of care. As the elderly population grows, the need for one-on-one care increases. Post-operative patients who are sent home after surgery need assistance with personal care. A direct care staff member can assist the patient around the clock or on an as-needed basis. Hospice patients of all ages need assistance and direct care during their last weeks of life.
Types
There are several people who fill the role of direct caregiver. A direct caregiver can be someone who is an immediate family member or friend such as a spouse or child. It can also be a friend of the family or volunteer. Direct caregivers also include medical staff such as nurses, home health aides, physical therapists and physicians.
Settings
Direct caregivers may or may not live with the patient. A direct caregiver is different from a primary caregiver. Primary caregivers are with the patient the majority of the time and are responsible for making the decisions about the patient's care. Settings in which a direct caregiver may work include a home care setting, nursing home, hospital, rehabilitation facility, physician's office or medical clinic.
Tasks
Tasks performed by a direct caregiver include those outlined in the patient's plan of care. A plan of care is generated by the patient's medical care team that includes their physician, social worker, home health aide and nurse. The plan of care outlines the steps needed in order to help the patient achieve recovery or to provide patient comfort measures. Tasks may include bathing, wound care, dressing, feeding assistance, ambulatory assistance, medication administration, physical therapy, incontinence care and skin care.
Experience
For many direct caregivers who are family members or friends of an ill patient, they may not have extensive medical experience. They may seek the advice and counseling of a medical care team to determine the best care and course of action for taking care of their loved one independently or in conjunction with a care team. Most hired direct caregivers generally have completed extensive medical training. Home health aides and other medical staff are certified by the state.
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