Many seniors experience health issues that limit their daily activities in some way. However, this does not prevent them from living at home and maintaining their independence. Families can find the right caregiver by consulting with a reputable agency within their community. Make sure to use these tips when choosing an in-home care provider in your area.
Perform Background Checks
A professional agency should have no objection to submitting background checks and presenting its license. If you are unable to obtain this information, this is not the agency for you. Learn more about the hiring process, including what is required of the agency’s employees. You will be trusting the caregiver with your senior loved one’s safety and privacy, so you do not want someone who will harm him or her.
If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Canada, TheKey is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Go Over The Job Description And Schedule
Failing to fully understand a professional caregiver’s duties is a mistake many families make. You cannot assume the caregiver is comfortable with all the duties that pertain to your loved one’s care, such as bathing and incontinence. Ask the agency to provide you with a valid job description pertaining to its employees. The job description might include tasks such as lifting seniors, driving them to the doctor’s office, and running errands. Make sure the agency is flexible in the event you have a family emergency or your schedule changes.
Make Sure Your Family Will Be Included In The Care Process
Even if you live far away from your loved one, you will likely want to be included in the caregiving process. Your family may also want to be kept up to date on changes in your loved one’s health or any negative and positive reactions he or she has to medications, exercise, diet plans, social activities, and other forms of treatment. Look for a home care agency that includes the family in the entire care process.
A reliable home caregiver not only offers inclusive care, but also provides respite and relief for family members. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, our respite care experts at TheKey are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Read The Reviews
Reading reviews of an in-home care agency can provide you with real-life experiences and testimonies, which can make the process a lot smoother. Choose an in-home care provider with positive reviews from past clients. Make sure the reviews are recent and that they are listed on reputable caregiving boards and review sites.
Look For Specialized Care
Reputed in-home care agencies have caregivers who specialize in different types of care, allowing your loved one to receive in-home care based on his or her individual needs. For example, if your loved one only needs help with grooming, medication management, or chores around the home, you do not need a live-in caregiver. However, if your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, or diabetes, it is best to choose an agency that specializes in those areas.
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