We designed
What is a Caregiver? A Guide to Caring for our Loved Ones.
A caregiver can be anyone that provides emotional or physical support for a person in need. Sometimes we are assigned this position by accident, or you can get paid to do this work.
We also write reviews for legal and financial assistance,
Senior Communication Aids and Tools
Communication is an invaluable tool for all individuals but even more for seniors wanting to talk to caregivers, family, and friends. Communication not only involves the ability to speak but to be able to hear and even communicate non-verbally. Modern technology has the right tools to aid the elderly in these areas. A standard tool needed by many seniors is one or more hearing aids, and our guide can help you choose the right type for your needs.
Another primary device most seniors use for communication is a home or mobile phone that lets them reach out to caregivers or loved ones when they're home alone. Modern cell phones feature compatible text-to-speech and speech-to-text options to ease visual or hearing impaired communication, location, and medical alert capabilities. Home phones have
The ability to comfortably access the Internet and computer is also helpful to seniors. Therefore, tools such as computer screen magnifiers, modified keyboards, and even voice controls for keyboards exist. Voice controls are excellent for those with Parkinson's, dementia, arthritis conditions, or who suffered a stroke. These tools are adaptable to recognize vocalizations of heavy accents and even slurred speech.
Emergency Response Devices
Medical alert systems are a staple for
Home Safety Modifications and Devices for Seniors
Some of the most commonly searched-for
One of the primary areas to assess
Helping Seniors Maintain Mobility
People with mobility issues have special needs, as do their caregivers who assist with their use.
Another vital consideration for seniors using mobility devices involves modifying different home areas to accommodate devices and maintain safety. Ramps and stair rails leading to entryways are essential for wheelchair and scooter users, as are installing wider doors and hall pathways to accommodate the width of such devices. One might consider lowering cabinets and grab bars within kitchens and bathrooms to ease productivity in these spaces.
Assistive Technology Devices for Seniors
Senior Affair helps keep you aware of the latest technology but still user-friendly — devices to help seniors and caregivers live with greater ease. Within these sections, you'll find helpful guides and tips concerning devices such as smart hearing aids, medication dispensers, health monitoring devices, smart home security systems, and innovative creations such as companion robots and devices for tremors.
Some exciting tech advancements include devices worn on the wrist that help control and relieve tremors via electrical impulses.
Transportation Resources
Speaking of mobility, seniors will need to get back and forth to appointments, activities, and other engagements. In-home caregivers may have the option to drive a personal vehicle or one owned by the beneficiary or their families. However, many opt to take transportation services in major cities. We can help you find the best transportation services and explore any discounts that exist.
Senior Legal Issues
Seniors face a host of legal concerns, but you can ease their minds with the services of solid legal counsel. These professionals can help draw up traditional wills, living wills, trusts, end-of-life care directives, and guardianship, and power of attorney orders should they become mentally incapacitated to make decisions for themselves. Legal counsel can also assist seniors and their families with estate planning services to ease the delegation of property and financial assets after their passing.
Financial Services and Tax Professionals
Our reviews of financial products and services can help seniors find qualified accountants, financial advisors, and tax professionals to help them learn more about how to protect their funds and make them last a lifetime. Learn more about retirement planning, smart investments for seniors, money management, VA benefits, stocks and annuities, long-term insurance, and the best health and life insurance to invest in during the golden years. Tax professionals can help you discover benefits such as deductions for medical expenses, transportation costs, and certain caregiver services. Discover new products and services at
Senior Care Support
There are times when in-home caregivers need a break from their duties, even when their
Senior Discounts
A highlight of
If you are looking for a one-stop source for information about
Types of Caregivers
We break Caregivers down into four categories:
Volunteers – They are unpaid and provide non-medical help to people in the community. Usually, a neighbor, family friend helps with cleaning, cooking, or companionship.
Family – They provide help for parents, spouses, or other family members. Funding may be available through Medicaid. Provides custodial care, sometimes helps with estate planning and finances.
Non-Medical – Work for an agency, provides similar service to a family member. They are usually paid and licensed, private, or hired by an agency, provides custodial and non-medical services.
Skilled Caregivers – Provides medical care, holds degree or certification. They are paid and usually have an HHA certification or CNA license that provides bathing, grooming, and toileting services.
What Are the Duties of a Caregiver?
Sometimes caregivers may help with transportation to and from medical appointments and grocery stores and purchasing and managing prescriptions.
If a person has conditions like diabetes, COPD, or dementia, the caregiver could help monitor those and communicate progress or issues with medical professionals. If needed, facilitate meetings with service providers or resources.
If needed, a caregiver could assist a
Some caregivers help with tasks like basic housework and chores to ordering, preparing, and serving meals.
Finally, trusted caregivers are responsible for things like finances and insurance.
Home Safety Modification and Devices
Since many baby boomers are now turning into seniors, they are looking for ways to protect themselves and make their homes safer to age at home longer. Caregivers get peace of mind by equipping the home with items like handrails, grab bars, and non-slip flooring, and better lighting throughout the home helps people get around safer.
Here are some modifications to consider:
Medication Dispensers
When you take multiple kinds of medications every day, keeping track of what to take and when can get complicated, both for aging adults and their caregivers. Because of this, The Food and Drug Administration estimates 1.3 million people are injured every year due to improper dosing.
Now technology has made it possible to manage your prescriptions more effectively and effortlessly.
Pill dispensers come with many different features; some have security features that prevent the pills from being tampered with, sounding alerts to take medicine, push notifications to cell phones as reminders, even holding a 90-day supply of medication.
Smart Watches
Have you seen the new smartwatches for seniors? They can monitor your sleep, medication, nutrition, and fitness. They cost less than medical alert systems (but have less functionality) and provide you with real-time health information.
Smartwatches can send medication alerts and provide directions on how to take them. They can monitor your vitals, including heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen levels, all contained on an app that a caregiver can manage.
Medical Alert Systems
If you want to make sure that you or your loved one has access to emergency services, having a medical alert system is designed specifically for this. Accidents can happen at any time, and if something were to happen, having the one press emergency button direct to a live agent 24/7 is worth the peace of mind. You can choose between devices; bracelets, necklaces, and loud speakerphones connect to first responders.
Wheelchairs and Motorized Scooters
Have you considered getting a wheelchair or motorized scooter to get around the house because of mobility issues? A wheelchair or scooter can help you maintain your independence and age gracefully at home. Some models have cupholders, all-terrain wheels, and long battery life spans that can fit most budgets and people.
Are You a New Caregiver?
We know that the world of caregiving can be scary. It can be challenging to figure out what medical equipment to purchase or modifications to make to the home, or more complex problems like estate planning.
It will be a learning curve for sure, but you are not alone! We provide in-depth guides and reviews to help you discover new products and services that solve your problems and answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions for Caregivers
A caregiver is someone who cares only for people, caretakers can care for people or also buildings or environments.
A person could be a skilled nurse who gives medication or a neighbor who can help with chores or cleaning.
If a caregiver is unlicensed, they shouldn't give medical advice or administer medicine. This could cause a liability issue.
Depends on what type of caregiver you want to become. You could complete some caregiver courses in 10 hours, but certified home health aides require extensive education and training.
