Most of our focus on this blog is on professional caregiving and what it can provide for families. However, professional and family caregivers form a homecare team together. I have talked about caregiver burnout before, which pertains to both professional and family caregivers. Today I want to talk about how our caregivers work with families to form a homecare team.
Our Role
Our clients usually do not have 24/7 care with us; most of our clients hire our caregivers for a few hours, a few days a week. As a result, if our clients need other care, their friends and family step in. Our caregivers are a crucial part of the care team, not just because we care for our clients. This way, their family caregivers have much-needed rest. We have family members who go play bridge, or go shopping, or just get out of the house for a few hours when our caregivers are there for our clients. They know their loved ones are in good hands. Our caregivers also provide a vital outsider’s perspective, we are able to note any changes in behavior or condition of our clients, which can inform any changes to their care going forward.
Your Role
Family caregivers are just as important to the homecare team as professionals. They have all the background information that we may or may not have, and they are a crucial part in setting up the care of the older adult. They also take our notes about behavioral changes and can either take the older adults in to be evaluated by their doctor or they voice their concerns to the older adult directly. Our family caregivers are often the driving force behind our ability to keep the older adult living at home for as long as possible.
In conclusion, family caregivers are a huge asset to our care team, and we work with you to make sure your loved one has the best care possible.
