Care of Elderly Parents: 5 Tips for Finding the Right In-Home Care

Caring for your parents as they age can be challenging and tiresome. If your loved one is in need of in-home care that is simply beyond your capabilities, know that help is available. Learn more about what to look for when hiring a home care agency.

Our Best Five Tips to Find the Right In-Home Care Provider For You

When considering the care of your elderly parents, it’s essential to make the most informed choice. Here are some tips to help guide you through the process:

1. Research and referrals: Seek recommendations from friends, family, and healthcare professionals. Conduct thorough research of each agency you’re considering. Look at customer reviews to understand the experience others have had working with the company.
2. Check credentials and experience: Verify the licenses and certifications of the home care agency staff and owners. Don’t be afraid to run detailed background checks on everyone who may come in contact with your loved one.
3. Interview potential caregivers: Compile a list of questions to ask each caregiver you interview – this will allow you to compare answers more easily. Inquire about his or her experience, qualifications, availability, flexibility, communication style, emergency protocols, and references.
4. Trial periods and evaluations: To ensure compatibility, start by hiring a caregiver on a trial basis. This allows both parties to adjust to each other’s routines and personalities without a long-term commitment. During this time, carefully observe how the caregiver interacts with your parent to determine if they’re a good fit.
5. Communication and regular check-ins: Keep communication channels open with both your parent and caregiver. Establish a regular check-in schedule to see how things are going and if there are ways you can provide additional support. This allows your caregiver to report any changes in behavior or concerns they have right away.

Recognizing the Need for In-Home Care

You may be thinking, “but how will I know if my parent needs a caregiver?” Take a look at the below. Is your loved one showing any signs of the following:

• Changes in physical appearance
• Shifts in regular behavior or activity
• Lacking in personal hygiene, wearing dirty clothes
• Shifting mental or emotional state
• Eating a poor diet, excessive weight loss or gain

These are warning signs that your elderly parent may need in-home caregiving services. Fortunately, even if you are unable to provide care yourself, there are compassionate caregivers eager to help you and your loved one maintain a strong quality of life.

Understanding the Types of In-Home Care

There are two subcategories of in-home care, medical and non-medical. Medical home care is typically prescribed by a physician and is provided by licensed professionals including nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Medical in-home care may include:

• Medication management
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Physical therapy
• Vital sign and health monitoring
• IV administration
• Assistance with medical equipment

Non-medical home care, as it sounds, does not need to be provided or prescribed by a licensed medical professional. Instead, services are provided by a highly-trained caregiver or aide. With a focus on delivering support for daily living activities, services include:

• Personal care services (bathing, grooming, etc.)
• Companionship and social interaction
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Pet or plant care
• Transportation to appointments or errands
• Meal preparation

As you consider hiring in-home care for your elderly parents, it’s crucial to evaluate their specific needs to ensure you can secure the best care for them. Discuss with your loved one’s doctor whether they may need medical or non-medical in-home care.

Enlist the Help of Compassionate Caregivers

As the senior population continues to age, the need for high-quality caregivers is only rising. At CareBuilders at Home, we’re here to help families provide the essential care their loved ones need. We offer a range of care services including personal, companion, and specialized care, brain health and fitness, and our state-of-the-art virtual care platform. Our services are all a la carte, meaning we work with you to build a plan that meets the unique needs of your elderly parent.

Providing quality at-home senior care is rewarding, but also demanding. With CareBuilders at Home, we can help restore balance in your life. Whether you need hourly, overnight, or live-in care,* our dedicated caregivers are eager to step in.

To learn more about the services we offer and what we can do to assist your family, contact us today.

*Not available in CA