How to Select a Good Caregiver for Your Aging Loved One
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
Choosing a great in-home caregiver means your elderly loved one will receive adequate care he or she can depend on. In addition to providing high-quality care, the caregiver can also be a liaison between your loved one, his or her doctor, family members, and other important individuals. Professionals of elderly home care, Des Moines families trust, share some of the things that matter the most when choosing the best in-home caregiver.
Ask About Professional Certifications
The right caregiver will have the educational background you desire, complete with the licensure required by the state your loved one lives in. If your loved one requires a certain type of care such as dementia care, hire someone who specializes in this area. Caregivers should know how to help with monitoring medications and other important factors, letting family members and doctors know when treatment is not working. Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable home care providers. Des Moines Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Check the Schedules and Availability
Have clear conversations with the caregiver about available hours. The more flexible the in-home caregiver is, the better. He or she will need to be available in emergency situations, including personal or professional emergencies that you and other family members may have. Make sure to discuss specific hours and flexibility in the beginning. Knowing these things can help you choose an amazing and dependable caregiver.
Discuss Various Types of Care
Caregiving duties also include incontinence care and personal hygiene care. Choose a person who is comfortable with this aspect of the job. The caregiver should be respectful and capable of providing the non-medical services you request, as long as those requests are not degrading and are required by your loved one’s medical provider. If the caregiver isn’t comfortable discussing incontinence, hygiene, and other personal care with your family, he or she is not the caregiver for your loved one. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Des Moines seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Involve Your Senior Loved One in the Decision
Seniors should take part in this process because the choice will ultimately affect them the most. You do not want to choose a caregiver your loved one dislikes. Doing so could cause him or her to withdraw from treatments and resist the idea of caregiving entirely. However, if your loved one is included in the decision-making process, he or she can let you know if he or she feels comfortable with the potential caregiver. Caregivers should have good relationships with the seniors they care for, in addition to having the qualities they need, such as being attentive, friendly, understanding, patient, honest, and respectful. This could prevent many caregiving issues and lead to a better quality of life for your loved one.One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching home care agencies. Des Moines families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To design a care plan for your senior loved one or schedule a free in-home consultation, contact us at (515) 264-2438.