You know it’s time. Your aging loved one has begun to struggle with living alone, and you are constantly worried about their well-being. You want them to keep their independence as much as possible, but you realize that hiring a professional in-home caregiver will give them the support they need to maintain their quality of life. It wasn't an easy conversation to have with your loved one, but they agreed that this transition needs to take place.
Even though you know it’s the right choice for your family, bringing an in-home caregiver into your home is a significant change. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition and to support your aging loved one during this sensitive process.
Be Intentional About Choosing Care
Have an honest conversation with your aging loved one about the need for care and explore your care options together. If you determine that in-home care is the best option to customize care plans to their unique needs, then finding the right in-home care provider is the next step. Here are a few questions that you can ask a provider to learn more about them:
- What certifications or training do your caregivers have?
- How do you ensure your caregivers are properly trained in delivering compassionate care?
- Can you provide references from past clients or families that have had caregivers for similar needs?
- How do you ensure the caregiver is a good match for my loved one’s personality and preferences?
- How do you ensure that expectations for care are clearly understood and regularly reviewed by both the caregiver and the family?
At HomeSpark, we work closely with you to develop a care plan that is customized to your aging loved one’s needs. Our in-home caregivers provide meal preparation, respite care, transportation, companionship, personal care, and help with activities of daily living.
Provide Emotional Support
Transitioning to home care can evoke feelings of fear, uncertainty, and frustration for both the person receiving care and their family. Imagine being in your loved one’s position. How would you want to be treated if you were in their shoes? They might experience a mix of fear about the future, anxiety over their health, and grief for the life they once knew. The most important thing you can do is listen to them, provide comforting words when necessary, and be a reliable source of support. Remind them that they are not alone in this journey - they have a support system by their side.
Stay Informed and Involved
The best way to be actively involved in your aging loved one’s transition to in-home care is to understand the level of care that they need. Talk to your caregiver about your concerns as well as any important medical information. With your aging loved one’s permission, speak with their medical providers to educate yourself about the specifics of the care they need. Prepare any medical documents you may need, make a list of questions to ask, and take notes so you don’t forget any details. Understanding their condition and care requirements ensures you can advocate for their needs effectively.
Encourage Social Engagement
Change can be difficult no matter what stage of life you are in, and social isolation can be a concern for aging adults transitioning to home care. Being able to express yourself or talk to others is vital for mental health. 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 80 report feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which can harm their mental and physical health. In-home caregivers take the time to get to know your loved one and provide companionship throughout the day. They also provide transportation services and encourage those in their care to get out for walks through the neighborhood, attend community events, volunteer, and find new group hobbies. Encourage your loved one to stay connected with friends, family, and community activities to prevent loneliness and help them set up virtual meetings or phone calls with loved ones.
The Transition to Home Care
Transitioning to home care can be a significant change for both the person needing care and their family. By providing emotional support, staying informed, and encouraging social engagement, you can make this transition smoother and more comfortable for everyone involved. Additionally, working with the right in-home care provider can help ease the transition.
At HomeSpark, we understand that bringing a caregiver into your home is an important decision. We want to help you make the best choice for your loved one. Contact us to learn more about our non-medical, in-home caregiving services.