home care aide often helps the elderly or others who may need assistance. The word assistance is a big word and can take on a multitude of tasks. Usually the duties are non-medical, however, in some states under the supervision of a nurse or a healthcare practitioner, they may assist with medications. In reality, often a family member, neighbor or a friend could serve as a home care aide. Assisting may include personal care like bathing, toileting, and dressing or practical household tasks and meal preparation. While there are some limitations on the services most home care agencies can provide, the caregiver services offered can often be customized to provide maximum benefit to the senior and their family caregivers.

Sometimes the elderly are not prepared for anyone to help them with the most intimate details of their daily routine. If they cannot do it for themselves, they may prefer the having a stranger assist, rather than a family member or friend. It is embarrassing for many to have their children see them that way and assist them in that manner.

However, the home care aide does not remain a stranger for long. In fact, they often become a true companion to the senior citizen for whom they provide care. They become like family or friends, often sitting at the table with them to share a meal. The elderly tend to depend on their caregiver to assist them, which seemingly paradoxically can allow them to be more independent than they could otherwise be. The home care aide is not there to do what the elderly is capable of doing. They are there to assist them with what is difficult for them to do alone.

The home care aide also takes the burden off family and friends. Family and friends may still aid and assist as needed, but it is important that they have time away from caregiving regularly. This is crucial for them as well as the senior citizen. In this way, the senior gets the best possible care, and the family member is able to continue to offer love and care to their loved one for a long time to come.