Partnering with a professional caregiver when an older loved one needs extra assistance or supervision on a regular basis can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for everyone involved. At the same time, it helps to be aware of what can be done to get the most out of professional caregiving services. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you and other family members are working with a professional caregiver.
Let Your Loved One Have a Say
Since a professional caregiver interacts most with older clients, keep your loved one involved in the process. Most of the time, older adults are fully capable of expressing preferences about in-home care. If you’re just starting the process of selecting a professional caregiver, arrange for an initial meeting that includes your loved one. If possible, ask that this meeting take place in your loved one’s own home to give you a chance to observe how the caregiver interacts with your loved one.
Define/Update Caregiving Responsibilities
In-home care providers don’t automatically “do it all” in terms of care. Most senior care providers primarily perform nonmedical duties. When initial arrangements are being made, clearly spell out what type of care your loved one currently needs so the professional caregiver can be prepared. Typically, in-home care includes:
• Bathing, grooming, and other daily care needs
• Light housekeeping
• Assistance with meals and cooking
• Transportation
• Companionship
It can also be beneficial for everyone involved if you go through this process on a regular basis, such as annually or every six months or so. What this does is give you a chance to request appropriate adjustments in professional care responsibilities.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Don’t Be Embarrassed about Discussing Personal Care Needs
Professional caregivers are comfortable talking about and handling personal aspects of in-home care. For instance, if your loved one has issues with incontinence or needs some help in the bathroom, let a professional caregiver know this so he or she can respectfully provide this type of care.
Know Schedules Aren’t Set in Stone
There’s no set schedule with in-home care. In fact, many agencies don’t require long-term commitments, and they’re often flexible with scheduling. In fact, you’ll typically be able to adjust preferences according to your loved one’s care needs and your own schedule. This can be helpful for times when you or other family members regularly providing additional care have other commitments or need a break.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Clearwater, FL, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Get Everyone on the Same Page with Communication
Professional caregivers normally work with family members to find convenient ways to keep everyone involved and informed. To avoid confusion, regularly update communication preferences. Such arrangements might include daily or weekly updates for the primary family caregiver. With communication, it’s also a good idea to clarify or update preferences regarding:
• Preferred communication methods (e.g., in-person meetings, emails, phone calls, texts)
• Family members who should be receiving care updates
• Emergency contact person if an unexpected situation occurs
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional Clearwater Home Care Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call us today at (727) 330-7862 to learn about our high-quality in-home care.