About who needs care: Caregiver Responsibilities (Activities of Daily Living) Overview: Dave suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is non-verbal, wheelchair-dependent, and unable to walk. He understands all communication and enjoys engaging in activities like playing ball with his Yellow Lab, Dakota, and listening to 90s grunge music. The caregivers role is to assist Dave with his daily personal care, mobility, therapy exercises, and overall well-being while ensuring his dignity and comfort. Daily Care Needs: 1. Personal Hygiene & Grooming: Bathing: Assist with full-body bathing, ensuring proper hygiene and skin care. Be mindful of comfort and warmth. Oral Care: Brush teeth, assist with mouth care to maintain oral hygiene. Hair & Skin Care: Comb hair, apply lotion as needed to prevent dryness. 2. Dressing & Clothing Assistance: Help Dave get dressed, considering ease of movement and comfort. Ensure proper layering based on the weather. 3. Mobility & Transfers: Assist with transfers in and out of his wheelchair using proper lifting techniques or equipment. Ensure safe positioning to prevent pressure sores. Help with adjusting and repositioning throughout the day for comfort. 4. Toileting & Incontinence Care: Assist with toileting needs or incontinence care, ensuring dignity and cleanliness. Monitor for signs of discomfort or potential infections. 5. Feeding & Nutrition: Help with meal preparation and feeding, ensuring food is appropriate for his needs. Monitor for any swallowing difficulties or changes in appetite. Additional Responsibilities: 6. Therapy & Engagement: Assist with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy exercises as directed by his care team Engage in stimulating activities like playing music, talking to him, or interactive games. Encourage light movement and stretching if appropriate. 7. Emotional & Social Support: Provide companionship and engage Dave in activities he enjoys. Be patient and understanding with non-verbal communication observe gestures, facial expressions, and cues. Create a positive and encouraging environment to support his well-being. Ideal Caregiver Qualities: Experience in TBI or neurological patient care is preferred. Comfortable with non-verbal communication and patient-centered care. Skilled in safe transfers and mobility assistance. Compassionate, patient, and respectful of his dignity. About the care needs: Ideal Personality & Skills for Daves Caregiver Finding the right caregiver for Dave isn't just about skillsets about finding someone with the right personality and interests to connect with him and provide compassionate, engaged care. Best Personality Traits for a Caregiver: Patient & Calm Dave is non-verbal, so a caregiver needs to be patient, observant, and comfortable with slower communication. Empathetic & Compassionate Understanding his needs, emotions, and physical challenges without frustration. Attentive & Detail-Oriented Monitoring his comfort, positioning, and therapy progress. Gentle but Confident Must be physically strong enough for transfers but always careful and respectful. Positive & Encouraging A caregiver who brings uplifting energy can help make daily routines more enjoyable. Independent & Proactive Someone who doesn't need constant direction but understands Daves needs and takes initiative. Flexible & Adaptable Able to adjust to changing needs or challenges without stress. Specialized Skills Needed: Experience with TBI or Neurological Care Understanding how brain injuries affect daily life and recovery. Safe Transfer & Mobility Assistance Knowledge of wheelchair transfers, proper lifting techniques, and repositioning. Basic Physical & Occupational Therapy Assistance Following therapy routines from Center. Non-Verbal Communication Skills Reading body language, using gestures, and engaging Dave in ways that don't rely on speech.
Mobility Assistance
Bathing / Dressing
Companionship
Feeding
Light Housekeeping
Meal Preparation
Errands / Shopping