You want what’s best for your aging loved one - and finding the right in-home caregiver to help them age safely in the comfort of their own home is no exception. At HomeSpark, we understand that the decision to bring a caregiver into your family’s home is not taken lightly. Below is our professional advice for choosing the best in-home caregiver to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. 

Assess Care Needs

The level of care your loved one needs is unique to them. Consider the level of care required when assessing the right in-home caregiver. Does your loved one need companionship and help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, transportation, medication management, and eating? Do they have more specialized care needed, such as physical therapy, diabetes management, or medication administration? If your loved one needs help living independently, a non-medical, in-home caregiver is a good fit. However, if their needs are more extensive, you may need to discuss with their medical professionals the need for medical home health care. 

Check Qualifications and Experience

Your aging loved one deserves quality care that you can trust, even when you can't be there yourself. Find a non-medical caregiver who is certified and highly trained to administer compassionate care. At HomeSpark, our caregivers are trained to deliver delightful care from the initial point of contact. 

Ensure Compatibility

Your in-home caregiver will take the time to get to know your aging loved one. Be sure to take the time to get to know your loved one’s caregiver as well to help ensure their personalities are compatible. Ask about their experience, the extent of their training, their approach to care, and how they handle emergencies. You can also ask how they would handle potential situations like difficult conversations with aging adults or emergency care.

Discuss Expectations Clearly

It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your aging loved one about their need for care and with your potential in-home caregiver about your family’s needs. HomeSpark care team members will create a personalized care plan based on your aging loved one’s needs. Together, you can work to set clear expectations and establish clear communication channels for regular updates. 

Evaluate the Benefits

When you find an in-home caregiver, set a trial period to see how they fit into your aging loved one’s life and with your family. Assess their caregiving skills and your loved one’s well-being. Have an honest conversation with your aging loved one to see if they feel their caregiver is a good match for them. Throughout the caregiving relationship, continually check in and discuss your goals for your loved one’s health.

Selecting the right in-home caregiver requires careful consideration and planning. At HomeSpark, we want to make the process as simple as possible so you can find a caregiver who will provide the necessary support and enhance the quality of life for your loved one. Contact us today to start the conversation about non-medical, in-home care.