Finding the right person to care for your elderly loved one is crucial because the caregiver will have access to your loved one’s home and be in charge of his or her care plan. There are some characteristics all caregivers should have, such as empathy, patience, practical skills, and training in elder care. Below are some tips your family can use to find the right in-home caregiver for your loved one.
1. Make a List of Your Loved One’s Needs
Understanding your loved one’s current skills and health limitations can make it easier to find the right caregiver. Provide this list to the applicant and monitor his or her reactions during the interview process. Go over the answers with your family and determine if the responses were satisfactory. Make sure the caregiver informs your family about what he or she is comfortable handling and what duties he or she cannot take on. You don’t want to have an issue about the job description in the future when you can handle things now.
2. Ask about Flexibility
The schedule you create and the services your loved one uses could alter over time due to changes in your loved one’s health. Therefore, the in-home caregiver you choose should be flexible and available for emergencies. Make sure the agency lists the caregiver’s availability in the contract to prevent issues in the future.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Richmond, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break.
3. Check References
A qualified agency will conduct thorough background checks of their employees and provide references for your family. It’s crucial to check these resources because the in-home caregiver will have access to your loved one’s financial information, insurance policies, and other personal materials in the house. You don’t want to choose someone untrustworthy because the caregiver could scam your parent. If the agency is unable to provide the results of a background check or produce adequate references, pass on the company.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond, a leading provider of senior home care families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
4. Inquire about Lifting Skills
A common effect of aging is reduced mobility. Your loved one may need assistance moving from room to room or rely on a caregiver to lift heavy objects. Therefore, your family should verify the caregiver can lift your parent or large items. In some instances, being lifted could prevent your loved one from falling and experiencing life-threatening injuries. Most agencies offer their caregivers training in lifting techniques, which is an advantage for older adults.
5. Keep Your Loved One Involved
Take your parent’s opinions and wishes into consideration throughout the process of searching for a qualified caregiver. Allow your loved one to interview the potential caregivers and decide who makes him or her feel comfortable. If your parent objects to specific individuals, ask why, and don’t ignore his or her concern. Keeping your loved one involved throughout the process could prevent your family from choosing the wrong caregiver and make the transition easier for your parent.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Richmond elderly home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call us at (804) 600-0002 to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.
