The experience of finding and arranging the right home care services can be stressful. You want what’s best for your parents, but you need a solution to the changing care needs now and not years from now.
Elder Care in Richmond Hill: Home Care Services
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you and your family make the decision.
Have an Open Discussion
Gather all close relatives for a family discussion. You want to talk about the things your mom or dad cannot do independently and offer to help out each week. If you have a sister who can cook bulk meals each week, that’s a start. You might be able to do the laundry on weekends. That takes care of some of your parent’s care needs.
Once you have a list of things that no one can do, you have an idea of where home care services can help. Note the days and services where there are gaps.
Talk It Over With Your Dad or Mom
Ask your parent what characteristics are desired in a home care aide. Would your mom or dad prefer a man or woman? Does it even matter? Would your mom or dad want care services throughout the day or only during certain hours?
Get answers to all of these questions. You can use this information to find the perfect services for your dad or mom. By including your parent in the decision, there’s also the feeling that he or she was an integral part of the decision.
Call a Home Care Agency
Once you have a list of services and ideal times, call a home care agency. A representative will help you determine the best services and schedules for your parent’s needs.
During this call, you can talk about the current rates and things you may need to consider in the future. You can arrange a home walk-through to see if there are things that could be done to make your mom or dad’s home safer.
Ask if there are other things you are overlooking. A representative from an agency has the experience to look at your parent’s situation and abilities and cover everything that could be helpful.
Stay Involved After the Caregiver Starts
Once the caregiver starts working with your mom or dad, stay involved. Don’t hover but be available to answer questions and help the caregiver find things
Be available to help on stressful days. There will be days when your dad balks at having anyone help him, and you can help get him through those rough spots. It will be easier as the week’s pass. Call a home care agency today to get started.
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