Why a Home Care Option?
August 17, 2017
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THE MOMENT YOU REALIZE THE TIME HAS COME TO PLACE A CAREGIVER IN YOUR HOME FOR YOUR LOVED ONE.
Most family caregivers reach a point when they realize they need help at home. Tell-tale signs include recognizing that your loved one requires constant supervision and/or assistance with everyday activities, such as bathing and dressing. Caregivers also find that certain housekeeping routines and regular errands are accomplished with great difficulty or are left undone. It may become apparent that in order to take care of any business outside the home, more than one caregiver is required.
Assessing Your Home Care Needs
A number of options are available for finding help at home. It is often best to start by assessing both your needs as a caregiver and the needs of the person you are caring for.
Things to consider:
- Personal care: bathing, eating, dressing, toileting
- Household care: cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping
- Healthcare: medication management, physician’s appointments, physical therapy
- Emotional care: companionship, meaningful activities, conversation
Evaluate the values and preferences of the person receiving care.
He or she may be more comfortable with a home care worker who shares his or her cultural background and/or language.
The care recipient may also have a preference between male and female caregivers, particularly if the worker will be helping with personal care.
Why a Home Care Agency is a fantastic option:
- Screening, hiring/firing, pay, and taxes are handled by the agency. Note: There are also some agencies that will handle the paperwork.
- If the worker is sick, a substitute can be sent.
- Can provide individuals with a variety of skills to meet varying needs
- May be partially covered by Medical aid.
Finding the Right Home Care Worker
Set aside some time as you approach this critical next step: finding the appropriate person to fit the job description. One of the best ways to find a helper is to get a personal recommendation from a trusted relative or friend. Churches, synagogues, senior centres, Independent Living Centres, and local college career centres, especially those which have nursing or social work programs, are good places to advertise for in-home help.
Making your new Homecare option work smoothly:
The relationships between the family, the person who requires assistance, and the in-home worker are very important. Good communication is essential for a good relationship. Schedule regular times to meet and discuss concerns, problems, and/or changes. It is also important to make expectations clear and to provide adequate training to meet those expectations. If your caregiver is doing a great job, be sure to tell him or her. A smile and well-deserved praise can make a big difference. None of us likes to feel to feel that our work is not appreciated.