Not the Last Stop on the Road
Many people believe that hiring a caregiver for a loved one is the last step before the inevitable. Which is why they often put off a necessity that can actually increase their loved one’s quality of life. Enlisting the help of a caregiver can be a temporary arrangement. The arrangement just needs continual evaluation to ensure everyone’s needs are being met.
Perhaps your loved one has suffered an injury or chronic illness. They might need assistance with daily activities, such as cleaning the house or grocery shopping. This arrangement typically only lasts while they are in recovery, and everyone involved assumes the need for a caregiver will eventually end.
The time involved varies widely between situations. Maybe your loved one needs a couple of hours a day, every day, for assistance with bathing, dressing, and cooking. Or maybe the need is more sporadic (i.e., a couple of times a year), for larger and less frequent household tasks, such as cleaning gutters or washing windows.
Maybe you, as the caregiver, are going on vacation or working a lot of overtime? Or you are injured or ill yourself? A term called respite care is when the caregiver hires someone to perform the caregiving activities they usually handle. The length of the respite care arrangement is dependent on your specific situation. And even the location can vary, whether it is in the loved one’s home, the caregiver’s home, or a senior care facility.
No matter the reasons or situation, hiring a caregiver is not an easy decision. The following guidelines will help with the decision-making process:
- Assess and define your specific needs
- Get referrals from a professional association
- Interview caregivers objectively (have a list of questions prepared)
- Check references
- Include your loved one when making the decision
- Take your time making a decision
Once you’ve hired a caregiver, it’s important to communicate not only your loved one’s needs, but also your own expectations. Feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in selecting a caregiver for your loved one. We’d be happy to help you.
Contact Elder Care
ElderCare 4 Families is happy to help provide elder care to seniors you know wherever they call home. Complimentary assessments are offered with no obligation by Elder Care, Personalized care is offered from 1 hour up to 24//7. With over 39 years of elderly care experience in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area, trust Elder Care to care for the seniors in your life. Call us at 502-244-8446 to start receiving elder care services in Louisville.
