Finding the Right Caregiver for Your Parent

Finding a caregiver for a loved one is a critical decision to make. It is never easy. Caregiving is a challenging role, one that needs the right skills and attitude. Not to mention it involves the well-being of your loved one. With the right caregiver, you can help your aging parent stay safe and healthy and enjoy a better quality of life.

To help you out, we made a list of tips you can use to make better and wiser decisions:

• Assess Your Home Care NeedsThe first step is to evaluate what your parent needs in areas such as personal care, health care, and household care. Does your loved one need non-medical or medical attention? Do they need help with housekeeping and running errands?

  By answering these simple questions, you will have a better view of what type of in-home care services you will require from a home care provider.

• Ask for Recommendations You may have relatives, friends, or neighbors who know where to get a caregiver. Ask them for reliable home care agencies they know about. Do not settle with one recommendation. Consider at least three providers.
• Interview ApplicantsAfter screening applicants, we encourage you to conduct a personal interview. Many home care agencies look good on paper but will not be a good fit for you in reality. A personal interview with a prospect caregiver will allow you to assess if they are a good match for your social, cultural, and religious beliefs. Invite a family member or a close friend to sit in the interview with you. A second opinion will always come in handy. Be sure to make a list of questions you deem are important.
• Check References and TestimonialsIt is important to check references carefully. Make an effort to talk to every person who is given as a reference. This will allow you to learn as much as you can about the applicant. Go an extra mile and look into testimonials as well. Testimonials from recent clients will give you a picture of the quality of service the applicant has rendered in their previous jobs.
• EvaluateAfter meeting every applicant, compare and evaluate each one. A caregiver who has an experience with the specific condition of your parent has an advantage. For example, if your loved one has dementia, a caregiver who has experience with dementia patients is a good choice.

If you need home care services in Broward County, Florida or simply need help with finding the right caregiver, do not hesitate to give TLC Nursing Registry a call. Our staff members are always ready to assist you with your concerns.