The iSavta Team | 08.01.2020

Caregivers not only offer help and relief to the seniors but also to their loved ones. When a private caregiver is hired to support a senior, families and friends do not need to take time off of their schedules on a regular basis to care for their loved one. The caregiver’s assistance in completing a senior’s daily chores and home responsibilities reduces the stress and burden of family and friends. These are just a few benefits of having a caregiver. Similarly, it is just right that caregivers should also get some benefits from doing their tasks.  Some benefits that caregivers should receive from performing their duties in providing different types of support for the senior include:

 

 

1.   Paid Vacation days and Holidays

Just like a regular employee, caregivers must be entitled to vacation days and holidays. Fatigue or burnout is very common among caregivers and it is crucial that they get a time off and enjoy some time for themselves. They must be given time to enjoy their hobbies and interests and break their caregiving routine from time to time. If they opt to work on holidays, then they should be paid more than regular days.

2.   Paid Sick Leave

Nobody is exempt from any form of sickness even if they try to take good care of themselves. As long as the caregiver cannot perform his or her duties because of sickness, then he or she should be given time to recuperate as long as he or she is able to provide documents related to the sickness. But of course, the caregiver should always try to stay healthy so that he or she can support and take care of the patient effectively.    

3.   Workshops and webinars

Caregivers should have access to programs related to care management. They should have continuous training so that they will be able to acquire expert information and recommendations when dealing with different caregiving situations.

4.   Health and Accident Insurance

The caregivers’ health should be on optimum level so that they can fulfill their duties at their best. Thus, they should have easy access to regular check-ups and health coverage benefits in case they get sick. Moreover, accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. As such, it is best for caregivers to have some paid coverage in case unfortunate incidents resulting in injury happen unexpectedly.

5.   Overtime Pay

Similar to office employees working overtime, caregivers should be entitled to an overtime pay rate of at least 125% - 150% more than what they get as their hourly or daily wage. The payment scheme should follow the labour law in the country where the caregiver works.

6.   Longevity or Recuperation bonus

Giving importance to the professional development of a caregiver will increase their self-esteem and boost their self-confidence. As a result, they will develop a positive mindset that could also positively impact how they care for an elderly patient. 

7.   Food and accommodation

Since the caregiver will be staying and assisting your loved one for long hours, it is just but right to have their food and accommodation free of charge. Surely, this is one of the greatest benefits a caregiver could have unlike regular employees who purchase their own food and pay for their rent.

It is important to show your appreciation to a caregiver by providing them great benefits. If the caregiver is well-compensated and enjoys amazing benefits, in return, he or she will produce high-quality care for your loved one.