There might come a time in your parents’ lives when chores and daily living activities, such as shopping, cooking, bathing, and dressing, can become quite difficult. Though you and your family can pitch in and help out from time to time, hiring an in-home care company might be the best way to ensure they receive round-the-clock care and attention.
There are many different types of care providers out there, but not all of them may be right for your situation. You need to know what to look for, what questions to ask and what expectations to set before you start your search.
Here are five tips to help you choose the right in-home caregiver for your aging parent:
1. Determine the Type of Care Needed
The first thing you should consider when looking for a home care company is the type of care and assistance your loved ones need. In-home care is a broad term that can include all kinds of personal care, companionship, housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation services. Your mom might only need one or a few of these services, so you need to be clear about the type of service you’re looking for from the beginning.
Another important factor you need to consider is whether the caregivers have experience handling your family member’s specific condition. For example, if your mother has Alzheimer’s disease, finding a company that specializes in helping people with Alzheimer’s will be more beneficial.
2. Plan Ahead and Do Your Research
Search for an agency that has been in business for a long time. This will ensure they have experience and it will make it easier to check their reputation. Read reviews to better understand the services they offer and how reliable they are.
Talk to family, friends and neighbors to see if they have any recommendations of home care companies they have previously worked with.
3. Inquire About Their Hiring and Training Process
Based on your research, narrow down your list of prospective home care agencies and schedule an interview with your top picks. While talking to the agency, ensure to ask about their hiring process, their staff’s qualifications, experience, and backgrounds, their training process, and any quality assurance checks they have in place.
4. Find Out About Staff Availability
Before finalizing a home care company, check if they have 24-hour on-call assistance services. Since you can’t predict emergencies, it’s best to have the assurance that someone will be available for help at short notice. Also, find out if the care agency has a system in place to provide another caregiver when your regular one is on leave.
5. Involve Your Loved Ones in the Final Decision
At the end of the day, the most important part about choosing the right home care company is that your loved ones are comfortable and receiving the care they deserve. Therefore, try to keep them fully engaged in the decision-making process. This will give them a sense of independence and also allow them to connect better with their caregiver.
Finding the perfect home care company can be a daunting task. Oasis Senior Advisors can help. Contact us at 475.619.4123 or 914.356.1901, or fill out this online form.
