I'm relatively new to being an in home caregiver and so far am finding myself bored. I enjoy taking care of people but am often unsure of how to stay busy. I've been doing okay with 4 hour shift caregiving but I have a new patient that requires my attention Monday-Friday from 12-6pm. With my other patients, I provide the necessary care, and do a lot of cleaning and such in an attempt to stay busy, but am somewhat afraid of not being able to stay busy for 6 hours with a patient who is trying her hardest to stay relatively independent. Any advice?
Asking your patient to help dry knick knacks you've washed qualifies. So does asking him/her to help fold laundry or match socks.
If I were a professional caregiver, I would track what I do in a log. Sometimes family doesn't appreciate all the invisible chores a caregiver does.
Find out what she enjoys, what she used to do and try to tailor those kinds of activities specific to her. If she enjoyed reading but has vision problems now, read to her, perhaps a chapter at a time. If she enjoys music, take music breaks inbetween chores. If she wants to send holiday cards, help her write out the addresses.
Think what you can to help her maintain independence - facilitation is the key here.