Caregiver vs. Caretaker: An Impactful Difference

Most people often use the terms caregiver and caretaker (burned out caregiver) interchangeably. The terms may be more alike; however, there is a huge difference between the two. The roles and responsibilities of the caregiver and caretaker vary a great deal. Therefore, it is important to comprehend the distinction between the two. In today’s blog, let's learn the difference between a caregiver and a caretaker. By understanding the difference, you know that the two terms are completely different from one another. Let’s understand this in further detail.

Who is a Caregiver?

A caregiver is someone who supports care and assists loved ones. So, imagine that your loved one is terminally ill and is unable to do household chores by themselves. As a result of their physiological change, they have difficulty accomplishing tasks and need help with them. In such a scenario, a home caregiver comes into the picture. Since the individual is unable to accomplish their tasks and often feels left out, a certified home care provider offers them home care services.

There can be a comprehensive range of home care services, which include hospice respite care, personal care, dementia care, companion care, after-hospital care, and so on. Depending on the needs and preferences of loved ones, home care services are provided to them.

And that’s where certified caregivers play a crucial role in providing home care services to loved ones. The comprehensive range of home care services provides innumerable benefits to loved ones. From meal-making and housekeeping to arranging transportation and medical appointments, home care assistance offers comfort and peace of mind. 

Types of Caregivers

Private caregiver

Private caregivers are the ones who have training in caregiving responsibilities and know about the various care needs of loved ones. You can hire them as your private caregiver through a home care agency or do it all by yourself. However, it is important to know how to find the right caregiver who caters to the needs and preferences of loved ones.

Independent caregiver

Independent caregivers don’t work for any home care agency and often take the responsibility of caregiving as a passion. They do not have any relationship with any home care agencies but understand the needs of loved ones and help them meet their needs.

Volunteer Caregivers

Sometimes family caregivers need a temporary break from caregiving duties. In such a scenario, you can hire a volunteer caregiver for a temporary period. They provide nonmedical help, like supervision of loved ones or taking care of them during chronic illness. The volunteer caregivers offer respite to family caregivers so that they don’t feel overwhelmed and resume their caregiving responsibilities after a while.

Now, let’s discuss the caretaking situation in caregiving when the caregivers are involved with the loved ones too much and lose a sense of identity. It is also a way to avoid dealing with their problems or to feel the need to be appreciated by loved ones. As a result, they do not take their responsibility out of empathy, and as a result, they start feeling exhausted and fatigued.

You are turning from a Caregiver to Caretaker, only if:

• You are resentful and do not acknowledge the needs of your loved ones

• You focus on the problems of your loved ones rather than offering solutions to their needs

• You feel a string attached with your loved ones and expect them to return your gratitude

• You feel that you need to control your loved ones rather than care for them

• You discourage your loved ones from being independent

• You don’t care for yourself and feel stressed and fatigued. 

• You feel that efforts are constantly underappreciated, and you seek approval to appreciate the efforts

You must notice these signs and keep tabs on your behavior. Caregiving is a rewarding experience; therefore, you need to understand your roles properly. However, if you are caring for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the roles and responsibilities tend to be a little more.

Therefore, be prepared to take on the challenges of caregiving and learn the proper ways to care for your loved ones. 

Looking for a caregiver for your loved ones? 

Discover the joy of independence in your golden years with Comfikare Homecare.