When families hire a non-medical caregiver for the first time, they often aren't sure what to expect. What will the caregiver actually do? What's off-limits? Having clear expectations from day one makes the experience better for everyone.
What Non-Medical Caregivers DO
Personal Care
- Bathing and showering assistance
- Dressing and grooming help
- Toileting and incontinence support
- Oral hygiene and skin care
- Mobility and transfer assistance
Daily Living Support
- Meal planning and preparation
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Light housekeeping (laundry, dishes, tidying)
- Medication reminders (not administration)
- Transportation to appointments
Companionship
- Engaging conversation and active listening
- Playing games, reading, sharing activities
- Accompanying on walks and outings
- Providing emotional support and reassurance
What Non-Medical Caregivers DON'T Do
- Administer medications — They can remind, but not give injections, manage IVs, or adjust dosages
- Perform wound care — Bandage changes, suture care, and wound management require a nurse
- Provide medical assessments — Diagnosing conditions or making clinical decisions is outside their scope
- Use medical equipment — Hoyer lifts, oxygen therapy setup, and similar equipment require clinical training
- Make medical decisions — All medical questions should be directed to healthcare professionals
When You Need Both
Many Ottawa families combine non-medical home care with periodic visits from a nurse or PSW through Ontario's Home and Community Care program. CareLink's personal care covers the daily support, while medical professionals handle clinical needs.
Questions about what your caregiver can help with? Contact CareLink Solutions — we'll build a clear care plan that sets the right expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan a non-medical caregiver give my parent their pills?
Caregivers can provide medication reminders — prompting your parent to take their prescribed medication at the right time. However, they cannot administer medications, adjust dosages, or manage complex medication regimens. That requires a licensed professional.
QWhat training do non-medical caregivers have?
CareLink caregivers are trained in personal care, safe lifting and transfers, dementia support, first aid, and emergency protocols. All undergo background checks and reference verification.
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