The decision to hire a professional caregiver takes careful consideration, and you may soon find having help with your elderly loved one’s care benefits everyone. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to ease the transition as your loved one and your family adjusts to a new member of your caregiving team.
Plan an Observation Day
When caregivers begin working with seniors, they often try to keep daily routines as normal as possible. Ask the new caregiver to take the time to observe how your loved one spends a typical day. Not only can this help the caregiver understand how to respond to your loved one’s needs, but it also provides an opportunity for the two of them to get to know each other.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Ask for Feedback
After the professional caregiver has spent some time observing, ask what he or she thinks about your loved one’s current care plan. Often, caregivers have new strategies to suggest based on what they’ve learned from experience. You can also ask your loved one how he or she felt with the new caregiver and use this information to ensure he or she is comfortable with the potential changes in care.
Step Back Gradually
When you hire a caregiver, it’s not always necessary to have him or her take over everything right away. Starting off by having the caregiver manage only a few parts of your loved one’s day can make the transition easier for everyone. If you use this strategy, try having the caregiver handle some of your loved one’s favorite daily events, such as mealtimes, so they have a better chance of bonding. Later, you can gradually allow the caregiver to take over more of the daily routine until your loved one is comfortable.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Wilmington seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
Plan a Special Activity
Your first day without having to provide care for your loved one may leave you feeling a wide range of emotions. If possible, plan something to keep your mind off of it, such as going to the gym or getting a haircut. You may also plan a special surprise for your loved one, such as a favorite meal, to celebrate his or her independence.
Families looking for top-rated Wilmington home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today.
