Finding a Caregiver Who is Right for You

Coming to terms with the fact that you need a caregiver is a difficult realization to have. It is a point of pride to age independently in one’s home for many older adults, but hiring the assistance of an at-home caregiver isn’t giving up that independence. Think of a caregiver as a safety net. They provide you with the tools and aid you require to remain safely and comfortably at home.

Finding a caregiver who is right for you is crucial to having the best at-home care experience. You can’t just select any caregiver from any agency. Take the proper steps to ensure you find the caregiving professional who is right for you.

How do I know if I would benefit from an at-home caregiver?

While many seniors would benefit from some help around the home, it’s important to note whether or not an at-home caregiver would be the best option for you. As a general rule of thumb, if you need constant medical care and supervision, an assisted living facility or nursing home would be better suited for you. If it’s the activities of daily living that you require more assistance with, an at-home caregiver is perfect for the job.

At-home caregivers can help clients with….

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Errands
• Brain games and activities
• Companionship and social interaction

Steps to take when finding a caregiver

Once you’ve determined that at-home care is, indeed, the best option, you can move forward with finding a caregiver who is right for you. While only you and your loved ones can truly say what would be best for you and your lifestyle, there are a few steps everyone can take during this process.

Identify your caregiving needs

No two clients benefit from the same care regimen. One individual may need assistance with personal care, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Another might need help with errands and companionship care. If presented with the same care plans, neither would likely be satisfied with the support they receive.

Instead of trying to fit you into a pre-set plan of care, your potential caregiving agency should work with you to create a plan of care that best fits you and your needs. Identify what it is you need from an at-home caregiver and look into the agencies that can support you.

Create a caregiver “wish list”

Once you know what it is you need, you should create a “wish list” of what your potential caregiver looks like. For some, this might mean experience with a certain form of care. For others, this might mean physical strength.

Build this list and have it ready as you speak with caregiving agencies. This way, you can determine whether or not they employ care professionals who can fit your needs.

Ask for recommendations

The word of trusted confidants means more to most than online reviews do. If you have friends or family members in the area who have worked with a caregiver, ask them for recommendations. They can relay their personal experiences so you can make a more informed decision.

If none of your loved ones have worked with a caregiver, you’re not out of luck. Your doctor may be able to recommend agencies.

Conduct interviews

Upon compiling a list of potential agencies and caregivers, it is time to conduct interviews. Ask questions not only about their experience level, but questions that help determine the devotion, care, and personality a caregiver might offer. You should also make sure their personality traits work with yours.

When interviewing agencies, a few great things to ask are about caregiver availability, level of training, and background checks.

When looking for Chicago home care, consider Home Care Powered by AUAF

For nearly 30 years, Home Care Powered by AUAF has served seniors and their families across the greater Chicago area. It is our mission to help clients live out their years in comfort and confidence through the helpful hands of our caregivers. Our staff undergoes continued training throughout their years with us to ensure they always offer the best care possible.

If you’re curious about how our caregivers could impact your quality of life, call us at 773-274-9262.