Caretakers and Nurses: Meaning, Role, and Differences

Every person is born with the innate ability to feel affection and show concern towards others. Having family members around can be helpful when you are going through a tough time and need some extra support. So, the primary responsibility is to take care of them. But it can be difficult to manage work schedules while caring for children and elderly, disabled, or bedridden family members. They need the help of a person who can give them undivided attention and care to maintain a regular schedule. In situations like these, it can be helpful to consider external support like home healthcare professionals to receive help and ease tension.

‘Caretakers and Nurses’ are skilled experts who are certified to offer important support and care to people with special needs. They can help manage medications, aid with daily activities, and provide emotional support to both the patient and their family members. 

Sometimes, distinguishing between the roles of caretakers and nurses can be difficult, and is important to understand the differences to ensure that individuals with special needs receive the proper level of care and support. 

If you are confused about how to choose the best assistant, your doubts will be clarified in this blog. Let us get started!

Caretakers

A caretaker is a qualified person who takes responsibility for the physical and emotional requirements of a dependent individual.

They help people by doing things like cooking, cleaning, and errands for them. However, they have no right to carry out any kind of healthcare or medical related tasks.

Role and Responsibilities of a Caretaker

1. Personal Hygiene Routines

It is important to keep good hygiene. Caretakers help the person with their daily tasks including showering, brushing their teeth, filing their nails, and helping with getting dressed.

2. Preparing Healthy Food

To maintain good health, a balanced diet is essential. Caretakers can do more to promote their patients' health by consulting and following the dietician's advice in meal preparation.

3. Household Chores

Caretakers care for their patients well. Frequently laundering and replacing their bed sheets and keeping their room clean makes them healthier and prevents infections.

4. Recommend Stretching

Prioritizing physical health is also essential. That is why they encourage and help with mobility like stretching and gentle exercises.

5. Gives Company and Comfort

The health and happiness of patients are of utmost importance to caretakers. So, they interact with them by engaging in conversation about issues of common interest, playing a game, or reading a book.

6. Tracking Health Improvements

The primary focus of healthcare providers is to watch the patient’s medication, fluid intake, dietary habits, and sleep patterns. This approach helps to improve the patient’s overall well-being and enables them to recover or manage their illness.

Nurse

A Nurse is a healthcare provider who has completed education and training in caring for patients with various medical conditions. Nurses collaborate closely with doctors and other medical professionals in clinics, hospitals, and patients’ homes to ensure that patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, receive the care they need to recover quickly and continue leading healthy lives.

There are several types of nurses depending on the work location. The three common types of nurses are

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
• Registered Nurse (RN)

Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse

1. Treating Wounds

To stop the spread of infection, wounds must be cleaned properly. Nurses are qualified to treat injuries and watch their patients closely to ensure their quick recovery.

2. Tube Feedings

Patients who are unable to eat or who have trouble swallowing are often prescribed a feeding tube to receive adequate nutrients. A skilled nurse helps with it.

3. Injections

Injecting a patient is an essential aspect of medical care. However, it requires careful handling by skilled professionals. So, the nurses follow standard practices and safety rules in the right way.

4. Examining the Physical Condition

It is important to monitor a patient's vital signs often during medical treatments to assess improvement and make suitable treatment adjustments.

5. Gives Health Advice

A nurse is the right person and is well-known for their patient's health; their advice helps patients to control their health and well-being.

6. Works with the Patient's Doctors

Nurses ensure the health of patients by keeping a close eye on them and recording data on all kinds of vital signs on a regular basis; they work closely with the patient's doctor and follow his or her instructions for patients' overall health improvement.

Difference Between a Caretaker and a Nurse

Responsibility

A nurse can access a patient's medical history and execute any necessary procedures, but a caretaker can only tend to the patient's personal hygiene needs (changing clothes, bathing, etc.).

Training & Certification

A caretaker may not have to undergo any training, while some caretakers need at least 40 hours of training that includes CPR and first aid. But a nurse must undergo extensive training to provide their patients with expert medical care, and they must also recertify every two years.

When it comes to providing care for your loved ones, making the proper choice for healthcare professionals is essential. Depending on your needs, book right home healthcare provider.