Charmaine Swart

I am an Informal Carer

An informal carer, also known as a non-certified aide, offers personal care services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship.

Currently, my duties include:

• Cooking.
• Cleaning.
• Occasional driving.
• I make sure he takes his tablets daily.
• Washing and ironing.
• I am here in case he falls and needs help getting up.
• When we go shopping, I help to carry the shopping upstairs.
• I do container gardening on a small balcony and tend to the plants inside the house.
• I mend the clothing.

I am a live-in carer and am provided with free housing and food.

EXPERIENCE:

2010 to 2018; Frontotemporal Dementia patient (Fiancé)

2019 to date; Open heart operation, diabetes, TB, COVID-19 patient. Other tasks: Diabetic meal planning, cooking, housekeeping, medication, companionship, minor medical assistance, or any general assistance the patient requires.

2011 to 2022; Assisting someone with a disability - driving her to the Post Office to collect a pension, taking her to do shopping, and then dropping her off at home.

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What is the difference between informal and formal caregivers?

• Informal caregivers are unpaid individuals such as neighbors, family members, or friends who provide care.
• Formal caregivers are paid employees or volunteers from a service provider who provide care in a formal setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.