Seniors experiencing a loss of autonomy
What being a caregiver means
Most people become caregivers without really choosing to do so. As a result, you might have some trouble seeing yourself as a caregiver. How can you tell if you’re one? Do you need certification to prove it? Here are some answers.
You’re taking care of someone…
You’re considered a caregiver if you’re taking care of someone who is experiencing a loss of autonomy.
“Taking care” can mean:
- helping someone with their personal care
- helping them with their housekeeping
- making appointments with health specialists for them
- providing transportation
- helping them pay their bills
- doing their groceries
- spending quality time with them
Whether the activity is regular or occasional, short- or long-term, there is no minimum time required to be recognized as a caregiver.
…in your immediate circle
You’re a caregiver when you have an emotional bond with the individual you’re caring for.
This individual can be your spouse or another member of your family, whether close or distant, but not only that: it can also be a friend or a neighbour.
…who has an incapacity
You’re a caregiver when the individual you’re assisting has an incapacity i.e., the individual is limited in his or her daily activities and sometimes in the exercise of his or her rights.
This incapacity may be caused by a physical injury, psychological trauma, or psychosocial disability. It may be temporary, such as a leg in a cast, or permanent, such as a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
…to promote the care receiver’s recovery and the preservation and improvement of his or her quality of life
Depending on the situation, your role as a caregiver is to help accelerate the healing process, prevent a deterioration of the care receiver’s condition, ensure a certain level of comfort in spite of his or her incapacity, or do all of these at the same time.
You’re considered a caregiver whether you provide services at home, in a seniors’ residence , or in a hospital.
…on a non-professional or volunteer basis
You’re a caregiver if you don’t charge for the assistance you provide, unlike the many professional services that are available to seniors experiencing a loss of autonomy.
You don’t need to have any special skills or medical knowledge. You also don’t need any type of certification to be recognized as a caregiver.
Government assistance
In some cases, you may need to meet more specific criteria to receive certain federal or provincial government assistance as a caregiver.
For example, you could be eligible for certain support programs depending on the care receiver’s level of incapacity. Find out more from the relevant organizations.
Testimonials (French only)
Suis-je proche aidant ?
Source : L’Appui
Devenir proche aidant
Source : L’Appui
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ANG - L’information présente sur cette page ne constitue pas un avis ou un conseil juridique. Nous vous indiquons ce que dit la loi au Québec de manière générale. Pour obtenir un avis ou un conseil juridique concernant votre situation personnelle, consultez un professionnel du droit.