Doing anything for the first time can seem confusing or overwhelming. Sometimes people end up putting off starting something helpful just because they don’t know where to begin.
Hiring in-home caregiving help can seem confusing, but once people jump in, they’re often surprised by how easy the process is. Many end up wishing they had done it earlier!
Hiring through a Home Care Agency is Easy
It’s true that hiring a home care aide independently can be a hassle. First you need to find a reputable caregiver with appropriate training and knowledge. Then you must handle interviews, background screening, hiring contracts, and tax and legal paperwork. You’ll need to arrange for coverage on your own if the caregiver is sick, and if they get hurt in your home, you could be held liable.
However, hiring a home care aid through an agency is easy! The agency handles all of those headaches for you.
Step 1: Call the Agency to Discuss your Needs
You know exactly what you want and need – or you may not really be sure. Either way is fine! When you call the agency they’ll listen to what you say, and help you develop a personalized plan based on your needs and preferences. They may be able to offer suggestions that never occurred to you. If you’re ready, you’ll decide on a starting plan together.
Step 2: Try it Out and Communicate What’s Working and What Isn’t
Your home care plan will constantly evolve as your needs and preferences change. The first step is to try out the initial plan. Notice what you like, and whether there are things you’d prefer were different. Communicate with the agency what’s working and where things might be improved. Even if you’re not sure what to suggest, keep talking to them about your experience. Again, they may be able to suggest solutions that you didn’t even realize were possible.
Step 3: Repeat
Throughout your relationship with the agency, expect that the plan may evolve many times. You may start out with just minimal assistance with transportation to appointments, but later you may like to add in shopping or housekeeping services.
You might find that you really enjoy most of your home care aides, but one or two just don’t feel like the right fit. You might want a caregiver of a particular gender to help with showers and personal care.
Whatever the case, home care agencies love to make their clients and families happy, and they appreciate communication and the opportunity to be just what you need!
What Can Home Care Help With?
Home care aids can cover a wide range of services that seniors commonly need.
- Transportation for medical appointments or social engagements
- Shopping
- Meal preparation
- Light housework
- Walking assistance
- Personal care (showers, dressing, hygiene activities)
- Engaging activities and companionship
- Safety supervision
- Pet Care
Home care aides generally combine a combination of services into each allotted time slot.
For example, many seniors have their home care aide come in the morning to help them get out of bed, and get showered and dressed for the day. While they’re there, the aide can also clean out the cat box, take out the trash, and run a load of laundry. They might even prepare soup and a sandwich for an easy, nutritious lunch before they leave.
Scheduling and activities are dictated by your needs. Call the agency to find out how they can support you or your senior loved ones to live your best life in your own home.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering homecare in Manhattan, NY please contact the caring staff at Prime Care, Inc. today. (212) 944-0244
Sources
How to Hire In-Home Help