Finding the right caregiver for an elderly loved one is an important decision. This caregiver has the power to improve a senior’s quality of life. From helping around the house to ensuring they stay active, they will make an impact in many ways. That’s why choosing a caregiver for seniors is a decision that families invest a lot of time and thought in.
If you’re considering hiring a caregiver for a senior on your life, below are five tips to assist you with the process.
- Decide Your Needs
Begin the process by making a list of your elderly family member’s needs. For example, some seniors need help with bathing and getting dressed. Others may require help with specific conditions such as diabetic foot care, Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Still, others may need more specific medical care in the home. There are many types of senior care services available in the Durham area, so deciding what type of tasks or illnesses your family member needs help with can make it easier to narrow down your selection.
- Make a Group Decision
Coping with an ageing family member can be an emotional process. If you have siblings, cousins, friends or other family members who have been involved in their care, it’s best to include them in any home care decisions. This will allow you to ensure everyone has a say and that all of your family’s needs are being addressed.
- Ask Questions
If this is your first time caring for an elderly loved one, it’s okay to have a lot of questions. Make a list and be sure to discuss them with each of the senior home care companies you contact. Don’t be afraid to treat this like an interview. Securing a caregiver should be about finding the right fit your family and their needs. The right service provider is one who answers all of your questions and makes you feel comfortable with trusting your loved one in their care.
- Include Your Loved One
Your ageing family member is a crucial player in this process. They need to have a say in who gets trusted with their care. Since they will be spending so much time with their caregiver, it’s essential that they get along and share some of the same interests. In the case of hiring an elderly companion, this will ensure they take part in activities that interest them and keep them healthy and active. The agency you hire should be equally as interested in ensuring their caregiver’s personality is a match as well.
- Take Your Time
Hiring a caregiver for seniors is not a decision to take lightly or rush through. You need to be able to trust this person wholly with your family member’s health and well-being. Keep in mind the tips discussed here to ensure you are thorough in the process and happy with your final decision.
At iCare Home Health, we know how important this decision is for families. We’ll work with you to answer all of your questions and ensure the unique needs of your elderly loved one are being met. The list of senior care services that we provide to seniors in Durham is vast. So, we encourage you to reach out to us directly to discuss the options available to you.
We can be contacted at (647) 492-1486 or info@icarehomehealth.ca to chat about which of our supports aligns with your needs.
President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.
