Family caregivers often have mixed reactions to arranging for in-home care. On one hand, you may be excited about finally having less responsibility on your shoulders. On the other, you might be worried about how having someone else in your senior loved one’s home will affect your family relationships. Bringing in a professional caregiver is a solution that allows everyone to benefit. Choosing to begin your new journey with an open mind helps everyone make the transition to home care with ease.
1. Plan an Introductory Visit
Home care agencies understand choosing a home caregiver is a personal decision. You need to know your loved one and the rest of your family can all get along with the person who spends time in the home. An introductory visit gives everyone a chance to get to know each other. It also lets the caregiver get a better understanding of your loved one’s needs to help you develop a care plan.
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 senior home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
- Be Open about Your Concerns
It’s normal to be nervous about having someone else take care of your loved one. After all, you chose your role out of love and compassion. If you’re worried about whether someone can handle your loved one’s challenging behaviors or physical care needs, speak up. This gives the professional caregiver a chance to talk to you about how he or she can help. Hearing the caregiver’s strategies can help you develop a greater sense of trust.
3. Create Clear Expectations
One challenge families encounter with caregivers is miscommunication regarding everyone’s roles. This can easily be avoided by having a discussion about what you need the caregiver to do. Families often hire professional caregivers for specific reasons. For instance, you may want the caregiver to assist your parent with personal hygiene care while you take a break, or your loved one might just need someone to share a meal with during the week. Establishing your goals for the caregiver gives him or her direction for helping out in ways that benefit your family.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Vancouver, BC, 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.
- Pick an Effective Method of Communication
A home caregiver is an essential part of your loved one’s support system, and there will be many times when you need to consult with each other. Make sure your loved one’s caregiver knows how you prefer to receive information. Providing your contact information makes it easy for the caregiver to promptly report issues, such as new symptoms or a safety risk.
5. Organize the Home for Effective Shared Caregiving
Sharing duties makes things easier, but you should also avoid minor inconveniences that can create issues. Try to keep any items you and the professional caregiver need in the same place. If necessary, create a miniature care center in a drawer or on a shelf. There, you can keep your loved one’s care supplies where everyone can find them.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional homecare, Vancouver 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. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate home care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (778) 279-3634 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.