How to Make the Transition into Home Care Easier for Your Loved One

Whether it’s an injury, cognitive decline, or simply complications of aging, there will be a time in your elderly loved one’s life when it isn’t safe for them to be home alone any longer. Even if they are aware help at home would be beneficial to them, many seniors are resistant to this change. While home care may be precisely what they need, it can be difficult to accept the care of an outsider.

If you’re hiring the support of an at-home caregiver, learning how to make the transition into home care easier for your loved one will make both your lives easier.

Have a frank discussion about their needs

Before you hire a caregiver, sit down with your loved one to discuss their needs. Start by asking them if there is anything they need help with to live comfortably. They may lay out everything here—such as assistance with cooking, cleaning, or personal care—or they may determine that they are perfectly fine. If that is the case, don’t insist they are wrong. Instead, talk to your loved one about what you’ve noticed they may need help with.

If they agree that, yes, help at home would be nice, you can then discuss the semantics. What type of care services do they need help with? How often should a caregiver visit? What are certain details your family member is looking for in a caregiver?

Take note of each of these details. When it is finally time to speak with a home care agency, you will have all this information to provide.

Set up a casual meeting with the caregiver

The home care agency will do everything in its power to match your loved one with a caregiver who fits them. Even in knowing that, it isn’t a bad idea for the three of you to meet before your services begin. This gives your loved one the chance to get to know their caregiver a little better before any care actually takes place. Spending time together will make care easier in the long term.

In addition to helping your loved one feel comfortable with their prospective caregiver, you will also determine their compatibility. If the match doesn’t seem right, you can discuss being paired with a new caregiver.

Be present the first few times

If possible, make a point to be present for the first few times your loved one works with their new caregiver. In the beginning, being open and honest with their caregiver in their living space may not be so simple. However, having you present during these crucial moments may help them feel more comfortable.

When the time comes for you to return to work and let your caregiver do their job, the transition will feel easier. Your loved one will have seen how you interact with the caregiver and know this is an individual they can trust. This will hopefully help them foster a deeper relationship more readily, which will benefit their long-term care.

Transitioning into home care

Home Care Powered by AUAF understands the transition into home care can be challenging for older adults and their families. That’s why our team is committed to providing not only exceptional care, but also guidance and support throughout the process.

We believe in open communication and collaboration, and will regularly review their care plan to ensure it meets their evolving needs. With our professional and dedicated caregivers, we strive to make the transition into home care as smooth as possible for both you and your loved one.

By choosing us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one will receive personalized care. We prioritize creating a warm and nurturing environment that promotes aging with independence and dignity. For more information on how a caregiver can improve your loved one’s quality of life, reach out to us at 773-274-9262.