Transitioning to live-in home care can be a seamless and wholly positive experience for everyone involved. With the right amount of planning, families can easily create comfortable spaces for these professionals, both in their homes and in their lives. Moreover, aging adults and their families can mentally and emotionally prime themselves for this major change. All of these efforts can help seniors gain optimal benefits from having live-in caregivers.
Compile Pertinent Information to Share with the Caregiver
The more information a caregiver is given ahead of time, the easier it will be to customize the care plan for your aging loved one’s needs. Clearly list all medications and related dosing schedules. You should also create a brief list of common side effects to look out for.
Your loved one’s caregiver should have a list of emergency contact numbers that includes family members and your loved one’s medical providers. Provide information about your loved one’s favorite foods, clothing, and activities, and give the caregiver a comprehensive breakdown of the current daily schedule. Special dietary requirements, living will instructions, physical therapy routines, and behavioral concerns should be shared as well.
Home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Choose a Place in the Home that Offers Ample Privacy
Your loved one’s live-in caregiver will need a place to relax, refresh, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. When setting up the caregiver’s room, choose an area that offers an optimal level of comfort and privacy. Having a safe personal space to unwind in will allow this person to handle caregiving duties with a positive and balanced mindset.
Schedule a Talk with Your Loved One
The golden years invariably involve discussions that are far from comfortable for everyone. Talking about the need for live-in care can certainly be one of them. However, families should try to discuss this transition as openly and honestly as possible. Seniors should feel comfortable with this change and, when possible, they should also participate in the selection of caregivers. Being forthright about why a caregiver is needed can alleviate family members’ feelings of guilt while ensuring seniors don’t feel as if they’re burdens.
Choose a Live-In Caregiver Wisely
While many caregiving agencies offer similar services, that doesn’t mean all live-in home care services are equal in quality and trustworthiness. The caregiver you hire will play the biggest role in determining how comfortable your loved one is with this change. Always work with licensed companies and professionals who have proven training, verifiable histories, and excellent reviews.
For many seniors in Phoenix, AZ, at-home care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Create a Suitable Backup Plan
No person is physically and mentally equipped to handle caregiving duties nonstop without ever taking time off. Make sure you have a feasible backup plan for your loved one’s caregiver several times per week so this individual can address his or her own needs and responsibilities, engage socially with others, and de-stress. This can be a role you fill, or you may recruit another family member or secondary professional caregiver.
These simple preparations can help your loved one’s new caregiver feel welcome and ease the introduction process for both your parent and his or her caregiver. The type of home care Phoenix seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
For reliable in-home care services, contact us today.
