8 Ways to Prepare for In Home Care Services
When making the transition to in home care services, it’s important that you get the proper care you deserve and that largely depends on the quality of the home caregiver provided by the home care agency. Contrary to popular belief, it is not mandatory for agencies to provide all types of training. A reputable home care agency will provide training for caregivers to ensure services are being properly executed with compassion and consistency.
What Are In Home Care Services?
At its core, in home care services are about helping you remain independent within the comfort of your own home as you age into your senior years or recover from illness or injury. In home caregivers assist with tasks such as meal preparation, housekeeping, light yard work, running errands, scheduling appointments, personal hygiene, facilitating visits and many other helpful activities.
The benefits of hiring an in home caregiver include being able to remain connected to your community, maintaining dignity and independence, and receiving personalized care tailored to your unique needs. For special circumstances, such as sensitive situations with LGBT seniors, benefits can also include advocacy, counseling, and added layers of confidentiality. Caregivers are trained to handle a variety of health conditions, such as dementia, and a reputable home care agency like Alegre Home Care will ensure that caregivers receive dementia care training and continual education.
How to Prepare for In Home Care Services
One of the main benefits of in home care is that it can be tailored to the specific needs of each individual person. This means that some people may need memory care while others may need care for children with special needs. These eight tips below will help you prepare for in home care services, regardless of your situation.
1. Talk to your medical professionals
It’s very important that your doctors — from therapists to general practitioners — are aware that you will be receiving in home care services. Ask your medical professionals for any advice they can offer and if there is anything in particular your home caregiver should know about. It is also a good idea to provide your main medical professionals with the contact information of your caregiver’s home care agency.
2. Interview caregivers
If possible, interview caregivers with one or more of your loved ones present. We all have our personal blindspots, so having people you trust present during the interview process will provide you with advisors. It is important for caregivers and clients to be a good fit in many areas, such as schedule, personality, and skill set.
3. Prep your home
Doing a walk through of your home can help the transition to in home care services go smoothly. You may want to label cupboards and drawers or put things into storage. This is a good time to clear out clutter and organize rooms. Ensure things like your emergency contact list are easy to find.
4. Look into financial benefits
California and other states offer some benefits to seniors that help cover the costs of in home care services. There are also benefits available at the federal level. Medicare, state property tax assistance, and reduced utility rates are examples of some of the help that is available.
5. Set boundaries
Communication is very important for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Remember, the caregiver is there to assist you and help you have the best possible quality of care. Don’t be afraid to state your preferences, make reasonable requests, and communicate any likes or dislikes. A reputable home care agency will ensure that all of its clients receive professional, personalized care plans that take each client’s limits and preferences into consideration.
6. Notify friends and family
Let close friends and family members know that you will be receiving in home care services and provide an idea of what the schedule will be like. Caregivers can help facilitate visits with loved ones and can help organize outings, too. Notifying friends and family will prevent them from being surprised or concerned if they receive a call from your caregiver out of the blue!
7. Make lists
This is something you can do on your own, with the help with loved ones, or with your home caregiver. Examples include a list of your medications, emergency contact list, food likes and dislikes, and a list of things you would like to accomplish. Feel free to get creative! Lists can even include the types of arts and crafts you enjoy.
8. Do your research
Reputable agencies will screen caregivers more thoroughly with personal interviews and tests that prove their knowledge, experience, and methods of care. You may require specialized services, such as memory care or LGBT advocacy. Some home care agencies offer specializations, while others offer more generalized care. Find out which home care agency is the right fit for you.
All of the home caregivers at Alegre Home Care receive a thorough reference check, a criminal background check, complete competency exams, and undergo a personal individual interview. A good home caregiver will make a world of difference in the lives of their clients and will provide a sense of trust, security, stability, and well-being.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about our caregivers in San Francisco or the surrounding areas, please contact us at one of our Northern California locations.
