Elderly caretakers help older individuals who need assistance. They can help their patients get dressed, eat, bathe and complete light housekeeping duties, such as dishes or folding laundry. Caretakers plan, prepare and monitor meals. They might run errands, remind patients of medications and escort them to events -- if working as an in-home caretaker. Most importantly, caretakers provide companionship for elderly individuals. They may provide basic health services such as monitoring patients pulses, respiration and temperature. If allowed in their state, caretakers can administer medication prescribed by a physician.