Choosing an In-Home Caregiver

Hiring someone to provide in-home care for an elderly relative is an important decision. Of course, cost and professional qualifications are important. However, the number one consideration in hiring a home care provider is finding someone who will treat your loved one with the same respect and kindness as you would.  Here are a few things to think about when looking for in-home senior care.

Care Needs

Assess what level of care is needed. Does your loved one need help with housekeeping, shopping and meal preparation? Do they need assistance with personal care such as bathing and dressing? Do they need skilled medical assistance?  Do they have memory lapses or other signs of dementia? Knowing the services needed makes it easier to choose a home care aide, home care provider, or agency.

Personality

Look for a mix of professionalism and a caring personality. Compassion, empathy, patience, and communication skills are crucial to creating a trusting relationship with your loved one.  Finding some interests that the caregiver and your loved one have in common can also help with trust and comfort level.  The caregiver should also be flexible and open to most tasks that don’t require specific medical expertise.

Experience

Look for experience handling needs similar to those of your loved one.  Be sure to ask for specifics about previous care giving experiences.

Training

Choose a caregiver who has the necessary training and certification for the type of care to be provided.  Continuing education and additional training above and beyond your state’s minimum requirements are usually good indicators of quality.

References

Never hire a caregiver without checking their references.  A reference check can get you a good sense of the caregiver’s honesty and reliability.

Finances

Be sure to discuss in-home care costs and payment arrangements, especially if you are not hiring through a home healthcare agency. Costs vary depending on whether you need temporary or long-term care, live-in care, 24-hour care, week day or weekend visits, respite care, dementia care, etc. A high quality homecare agency such as Visiting Angels Newton/Canton will visit you in person, assess your needs and design a personalized homecare plan for you that will meet your unique needs and budget.

If you or a loved one in the Greater Boston area is in need of assistance, contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton today for a free assessment. There is absolutely no obligation!