If you have an elderly loved one who is living alone, you may become concerned about their safety or need for assistance. They may need minimal assistance, or they might need a live-in caregiver. In both those cases, you will need to find a team that specializes in providing elderly care at home. Before you contact one of those companies, it’s wise to make a list of the services your loved one needs so you can tell the service what you are looking for.
According to the National Institute for Aging, the importance of elderly care is based on ensuring the quality of life for your loved one. You may find that your loved one is reluctant to accept help since they may not want to admit they are no longer independent. Having a stranger in your home can be upsetting, but if it is necessary, you’ll need to let them know it comes from love.
There are various types of caregivers and companions available, so your choice will depend on your loved ones’ needs. For example, someone with mild dementia may need a support companion to be sure they don’t engage in unsafe activity. If your loved one needs help after surgery or hospitalization, they may require help from a medical companion or home care nurse.
When you have an elderly family member who needs help, you want to make sure you find the right caregiver services. Here’s what you need to know about choosing caregivers for elderly relatives, whether you need home care, end of life comfort and care, or long term care.
Start By Assessing the Need
Think about all the areas where you might need caregivers for elderly to help. Do you need help with medications or physical therapy or primarily with daily life tasks like bathing and dressing? Will your relative need meal preparation or help with paying bills and running errands? Knowing what you need will help you find just the right care situation.
Use Your Needs to Develop a Job Description
Once you have assessed your elderly relative’s needs, you know what you’ll be looking for in caregivers for elderly patients and client. You will know what level of medical training you need, for example, whether that be a registered nurse or a certified nursing assistant. You’ll be able to determine whether you need carers who have a driver’s license or someone with the physical strength to use special equipment necessary to help your relative get around.
Where to Look
The first step is to ask around in your social group. This could include friends and family, coworkers, other parents at your child’s school, or a church or club network. Find out where and how others have had their own elderly family cared for and how satisfied they were the help they received. Use this as a base to check out professionals and organizations that might be able to help you.
Always Check References
Even if you hire a professional organization to facilitate finding caregivers for elderly relatives, you will still want to check references carefully. Check out the references of the company providing the service and ask for references for any individual they recommend. Be sure to follow up on these and make sure the caregiver you’re considering is qualified and has a good reputation.
If you will be paying caregivers for elderly clients out of any state funds, a background check is mandatory. Even if you’re not using state money, a background check is always smart. Look for anything that might put your relative at risk; not just violent behavior, but drug or alcohol issues as well.
Finding the right caregiver for your relative can be an anxious process, but carefully planning your strategy before you begin can make the whole process less difficult.
