Everybody’s job as a caregiver is unique. Aging loved ones have different needs, expectations, and challenges. Because of that, it’s hard to know exactly what a caregiver does. The basic definition of a caregiver is a person responsible for providing care for another person.¹

That description only scratches the surface of all the duties the role may include.

Here’s an example of what a day in the life of a caregiver might look like:

As soon as breakfast ends, Amy starts her morning by calling the pharmacy to check on a prescription. Marking that off her to-do list, she heads to the grocery store to get some easy-to-make meals before picking up her mom for an afternoon doctor appointment. Afterward, they both realize they skipped lunch, so they stop for something quick before heading back to the house. Amy knows she has a full evening in construction mode ahead of her, learning to install grab bars in her mother’s bathroom. Once that project is done, Amy can finally head home for some much-needed rest.

Duties will vary day-to-day. Some days will be busy with errands whereas on slower days you might end up spending quality time with your loved one doing crafts or watching TV.

This list includes many of the most common caregiver duties. It’s impossible to make a one-size-fits-all list because the core of the job is providing care for your loved one's needs based on his or her specific circumstances. However, these 10 common duties are a good starting place for a new caregiver.  

Supporting your loved one, physically, emotionally, and socially is your number one duty. That may involve listening to them or helping them find ways to stay social within their limitations. You might even aid with physical therapy exercises to keep them moving. The most basic caregiver task is helping your loved one, which should include helping them adjust to being taken care of. That is often hard for someone who’s used to being independent. Helping them accept the new dynamic can make all the other tasks easier.

Caregiving requires a lot of organization and planning. For example, if you’re sharing responsibilities with siblings or other family members, you’ll need to create a notebook and calendar to help everyone stay on the same page.

Part of being organized is making sure you know where all your loved one’s important documents are found. This should include personal information, identity documents, and contact information for family and friends.² Finding this at the start of your caregiving journey ensures you’ll have everything when needed for appointments and paperwork.

Doctors' appointments are especially important when a loved one is facing medical challenges. Attending doctor visits, asking questions, and sharing any changes you’ve noticed can help improve their medical care.

Ask for authorization to see their medical records and speak to their doctors. This will allow you to better understand how their medical condition affects their care. You will also be able to ask the doctor informed questions and make plans as their medical needs change. Here are seven tips to make the most of your doctor’s visit.

Understanding the financial picture is an important aspect of caregiving. Make a list of your loved one’s retirement accounts, assets, debts, and expenses. Creating a budget will help you see if there are any gaps in their finances. Ask to be added as an authorized user to accounts like bank, health insurance, and utilities so you can make payments or changes on their behalf.

If there are gaps in the budget, see if you qualify for financial assistance. There are different Medicare, Medicaid, food aid and utility help programs which may be available. These can vary based on your location and financial situation.³

Financial stress impacts caregivers and their loved ones. Don’t feel guilty taking advantage of available resources. These programs were created to help.

As your loved one ages, it’s important to make sure all the legal paperwork is updated. Check that the will and power of attorney documents are current. This ensures their wishes will be respected even if they’re no longer able to voice their preferences. Find an eldercare or estate planning attorney to navigate any legal questions. They’re also knowledgeable about a variety of benefits available to seniors, so lean on their expertise as a resource. Whereas you might be a new caregiver, they’ve done this before.⁴

Check to make sure your loved one’s house is safe. Use these worksheets from the National Institute on Aging as a guide. Our colleagues at CenterWell Home Health have additional checklists and resources to help prevent falls and maintain a safe home.  

Home adjustments can be small, including basic repairs, decluttering to remove tripping hazards, and using non-skid mats. You may also need to make bigger changes such as adding grab bars in bathrooms or building accessible entrances and wheelchair ramps.⁵ Learn more about home safety, including information about mobility, technology, and living alone.  

Staying on top of a household is always a challenge, even when you’re young and healthy. When you’re facing health problems, it can become overwhelming. Make a list of all the household tasks and see which ones your loved one can manage. Modify or eliminate tasks they cannot do and ask yourself “Which tasks do I realistically have time for?” See if there are any chores, like mowing or yard work, where you can hire help.

Many seniors, whether because of eyesight, health problems, or anxiety, aren’t comfortable driving. One of your tasks as a caregiver is providing or helping organize transportation. When your loved one needs to attend appointments, go to the store, or even visit with friends, driving them or coordinating a ride is an important job. While this might seem like a small task, transportation helps them stay connected to their family, friends, and essential services, boosting their mood and quality of life.

Don’t forget about Fido! Pets are an important part of many people’s lives, but they also require a certain level of care. Helping with pets may involve walking the dog, changing the litterbox, taking the pet to the vet, or setting up doggy daycare.

It’s also important to have a plan in case pets need to be rehomed. Creating a plan allows the new owner to get supplies and prepare their house. Even people who love animals aren’t always ready for a surprise member of the family. Discussing this ahead of time helps smooth the transition.

Because you’re focused on helping your loved one, it can be easy to forget your own needs. Burnout and health problems are common among caregivers. Learn the ways to care for yourself. Just because your loved one is facing health challenges doesn’t mean your health, including preventive care appointments, can wait.

You may be a caregiver for a short time, or even years, depending on your loved one’s needs. Your duties may look different than this list, and next year your role may be different than what you’re doing now. It’s normal for the tasks to shift and change. Use this list as a starting point and create a plan with your loved one, accounting for both your and their needs. Being a family caregiver is a huge responsibility with a lot of duties, but with time, patience, and grace, you can provide the support and care your loved one needs.

Sources

1. What is a Caregiver? 
2.  Where to find my important papers
3. How to Get Help Paying for Food, Housing, and Healthcare
4. Finding an Attorney to Help with Estate Planning
5. Home Safety Checklist