Attendant Care
Attendant care, also known as personal care assistance, refers to the support and assistance provided to individuals who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or limitations that affect their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Attendant care services are designed to help individuals live more independently and maintain a good quality of life despite their limitations.
Attendant care focuses on assisting individuals with tasks they may have difficulty performing on their own due to physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments. These tasks can include basic self-care activities and more complex activities that contribute to their overall well-being and social integration. Some examples of activities that might be included in attendant care services are:
Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Eating and meal preparation
- Mobility and transferring (e.g., moving from bed to wheelchair)
- Toileting and continence care
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs):
- Housekeeping and cleaning
- Cooking and meal planning
- Medication management
- Shopping and errands
- Transportation and getting around
- Managing finances and bills
These services are often delivered by trained personal care attendants or caregivers who have expertise in assisting individuals with disabilities. Attendants may be hired privately, through home care agencies, or be provided through government-funded programs or community organizations.
