As parents grow older, they may start to experience mental health issues. Perhaps they feel like they are not as sharp as they used to be or are feeling down and anxious. As a result, they may become withdrawn and stop doing the things they love. Unfortunately, some of them even end up depressed.
If this is happening to your parents, getting them the help they need is important. One way to do this is to get them in-home care.
The truth of the matter is that it’s hard to let our elderly parents be taken care of by someone else. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is give them the independence they need by hiring a caregiver for in-home help. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before making that decision, from interviewing potential caregivers to setting up a care schedule. Let’s get started.
What is in-home care?
In-home care is professional help provided to seniors in their own homes rather than in a nursing home or other type of long-term care facility. It can be used to assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as help with transportation, light housekeeping, and even companionship.
There are two main types of in-home care: medical and non-medical.
- Medical in-home care is provided by licensed professionals (Home Health Aides) such as nurses, home health aides, and therapists. They can administer medication, monitor vital signs, and provide other skilled nursing services.
- Non-medical in-home care, on the other hand, is provided by aides who are not licensed medical professionals (Personal care aides). These caregivers can provide help with activities of daily living (ADLs), light housekeeping, and transportation, but they cannot offer any type of medical care.
Benefits of in-home care
The mental health of your parents is crucial, and as aforementioned, hiring in-home help can be very beneficial. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits in more detail:
Allows seniors to age in place
One of the biggest benefits of in-home care is that it allows seniors to age in place. This means they can stay in their own homes rather than moving to a nursing home or long-term care facility. For many seniors, the thought of moving away from their homes is very scary and can cause a lot of anxiety. In-home care allows them to stay in the comfort of their own homes and maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Helps with activities of daily living
In-home care can also help seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. For seniors who are struggling to do these things on their own, in-home care can be a godsend. For instance, if your parent enjoys playing online games on Juicy Stakes, in-home care can help them get set up and ensure that they’re taking proper breaks in between games.
Can provide respite for family caregivers
If you are the primary caregiver for your elderly parent, hiring in-home care can provide you with much-needed respite. Caring for an elderly parent can be very stressful, and it’s important to take breaks when you can. In-home care can give you the break you need while still ensuring that your parent is getting the care they need.
How to find the best in-home caregiver
Finding the right in-home caregiver for your elderly loved ones can be an uphill task. This is especially true if you have never hired or even worked with a caregiver. The process can be overwhelming, but we are here to help you. Here are a few tips on how to find the best caregiver for your needs:
Assess your needs carefully
What does in-home care look like for your family? This is perhaps the most crucial question you need to answer as it will help you determine the type of caregiver you need to be looking for. Do you need someone to provide around-the-clock care? Or would a few hours of help during the day suffice? Other factors to consider are what type of assistance is needed and how often it is required. Answering these questions will help you narrow down your search and find the best caregiver for your needs.
Do your research
One of the best places to start is by asking for referrals from friends, family, or your doctor. You can also check out online directories and review sites. Read the online reviews and check out the caregivers’ websites (if they have one). It’s also a good idea to contact their references and ask about their experience working with the caregiver.
Interview potential candidates
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few potential candidates, it’s time to start interviewing them. When meeting with a potential caregiver, be sure to ask about their experience, training, and certifications. You should also ask about their availability and whether or not they have any previous commitments that might conflict with the hours you need them to work.
Other important questions to ask are how they would handle difficult situations (such as a fall or an emergency) and their policies regarding overtime pay and vacation time.
Choose the right fit
After meeting with all candidates, it’s time to choose the right fit for your family. In addition to finding someone experienced and qualified, it’s essential to find someone you can trust and who you feel comfortable with. This is someone who will be spending a lot of time in your home; you need to choose someone who you feel comfortable with and who you think will be a good fit for your family.
Often than not, it is best to get one from a reputable in-home care agency, and here’s why;
- Liability protection
- Experience and training
- Agency support
- Flexibility and peace of mind
- Backup care
- Fast upgrades
Takeaway
Hiring the right in-home care help will make your parents’ life easier. You will start noticing that your parent is happier and healthier, and their overall mood has improved. It is essential to do your research, interview potential candidates, and choose the one you trust and feel most comfortable with.
Helen Baumeister did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
