By Angela Kauffman
Brushing your hair or making breakfast may not seem like large tasks, but when you lose the ability to perform them on your own, you realize just how important those once mundane tasks really are. Although a loss of independence is a natural part of aging, coping with it does not always come easily, and often times a helping hand is needed. The role of a home care aide is to help complete everyday tasks to allow a person to remain in his/her own home. Having this assistance can be life changing for someone whose independence is being challenged.
At Snyder Village Home Care, the caregivers assist with personal grooming (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.), meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, and transportation for errands or appointments. Each member of the Snyder Village Home Care team is screened and administered a background check before hiring. Once on the team, the caregivers are trained and insured, which allows for a professional and reliable experience for the clients.
Kenzie Hawkins, a Snyder Village Home Care Aide, gave insight into the role of a caregiver when she was recently asked about a typical day on the job.
Q: How many home care clients do you have, and how much time do you spend with each of them?
Kenzie: “On a typical day, I see three to five clients. I spend anywhere from a half an hour with them to up to four hours.”
People using home care services have their own unique needs and requirements. While some clients only require a brief check-in, others need around-the-clock care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Snyder Village Home Care accommodates the individual client’s needs, whatever they may be.
Q: Where are your clients located?
K: “I travel to Roanoke, Metamora, Minonk, Kappa, and Germantown Hills to see my clients.”
Snyder Village Home Care serves residents in four counties: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall. Most clients are in a private residence; however, a home care agency can provide care wherever home may currently be. For some, that is a senior living facility or a temporary living situation, such as staying with family or friends.
Q: During a routine visit, what types of services do you do?
K: “I help with making meals, housekeeping, bathing, companion care, medication checks, and laundry.”
When considering home care services, it’s important to note the difference between home care and home health care. A home care service provides only non-medical care. It does not provide medical services like therapy, skilled nursing care, administrating of medications or injections, medical testing, pain management, or wound care.
Q: Is there a typical home care client? Why might someone use home care services?K: “We are basically there to help someone with a task they are either no longer capable of completing or to help them complete it on their own.”
Home care services are most often used by individuals who are aging and need assistance to live independently, those who are managing chronic health issues, those who are recovering from a medical setback, or those with special needs. Having access to a reliable caregiver brings peace of mind knowing help is available if and when it’s needed.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a home care aide?
K: “I enjoy getting to know new people, hearing their stories, learning about their lives, and how grateful they are for the service we provide.”
Often times, one of the most valued services a caregiver provides is companionship. Joining the client in an activity they enjoy, such as doing puzzles, playing cards, or watching a baseball game, can lift the spirits of the client and improve their emotional wellbeing. Engaging in conversation can also help boost mental stimulation and provide entertainment for an individual.
Q: Would you encourage others to apply for the position of a home care aide?K: “Absolutely! Someone who is empathetic and hardworking would be a good fit for the job. Having a background in healthcare and/or customer service is a plus.”
Interested applicants can learn more about the role of a home care aide and apply to join the Snyder Village team at www.snydervillage.com.
Q: If you had to pick one word to describe your job, what would it be?K: “Rewarding. My clients are genuinely grateful for the things I do for them, and they let me know all the time. I have never felt so meaningful in employment before.”
Learn more about Snyder Village Home Care, the services provided, and the employment opportunities available at www.snydervillage.com or by calling (309) 367-2300. Snyder Village in Metamora is a life plan community that offers independent living cottages and apartments, beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy on a 40+ acre campus. For more information on Snyder Village, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.
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