With more seniors choosing to age within the comfort of their own homes, many family members are taking on the role of being their primary caregiver.

As difficult as it can be to watch a loved one age and struggle to perform the activities they once could, taking on the responsibility of being their primary caregiver can add additional stress to a family and lead to caregiver burnout. As a result, many families turn to professional home care agencies for caregiving services.

Finding the right caregiver can be challenging, but the last thing you want to do is choose a home care agency that doesn’t meet your loved one’s needs. Fortunately, there are 4 common mistakes listed below that are avoidable.

Choosing the Low-Cost Option

The cost of home care services should be one of the many deciding factors when choosing the right home care agency. However, your priority should be your loved one’s well-being. Keep in mind, you will get what you pay for while considering the cost of home care.

Avoid this mistake by focusing on value and researching the services provided by a home care agency. Oftentimes, low-cost agencies have a limited range of services.

Choose an agency that fits your budget limitations but also provides the care your loved one needs. Consider the credibility and trustworthiness of the home care agency and how they train their caregivers.

Not Asking the Right Questions

Choosing the right home care for your loved one should not be rushed. The caregiving agency you choose should not only have a heart for serving others, but also the right credentials, credibility in the community, and ongoing training for their team members.

In addition to being familiar with what services are offered, ask whether the home care agency will create a customized care plan for your loved one.

Not Considering Your Loved One’s Wishes

The safety and security of your loved one will be your top priority, but don't forget to consider their preferences. Many aging seniors enjoy the freedom and independence that in-home care offers, but it can still be a difficult transition.

In addition to having an open and honest conversation with your loved one, be sure to include any other family members that need to be a part of the discussion so that you avoid any unnecessary tension in these relationships.

These conversations can be had on topics such as needing to look for a professional caregiver, establishing roles and expectations for family and professional caregivers, and whether a home care agency feels like the right fit.

Waiting to Ask for Professional Help

It’s normal to feel caregiver guilt, a feeling that you aren't doing enough for your loved one. This makes the conversation around seeking professional help difficult for many people.

You don’t need to wait until a crisis happens or family members who are providing care are overwhelmed before seeking out professional caregiving help. Your primary goal should be to make sure your aging loved one has the best care available, and it’s important that you can spend more meaningful time with them as they age.

When you make an informed decision with your loved one’s wishes in mind, you can feel confident that a professional caregiver will provide the mental, emotional, and physical care that your loved one needs to age healthily.

The HomeSpark Solution

At HomeSpark, we know that deciding to bring a caregiver into your home is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Finding the right home care agency can be time-consuming, especially when you are acting as the primary caregiver for your loved one.

We want to make the transition to professional home care as seamless as possible. We start by getting to know your loved one so that we can work with you to create a customized care plan to meet their needs. Contact HomeSpark today for a consultation.