Tips For Choosing A Live In Caregiver For The Elderly Or Seniors

By Author: Starlet Nicole
Total Articles: 6
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It happens to most of us at some point within our lives; an elderly member of the family can no longer live independently and needs daily assistance. The loss of independence can be catastrophic to a person and the thought of moving to a seniors’ residence is not a choice they want to make. If there is a minor loss of some abilities and a senior member of your family wants to continue living in their home, then why not? To hire a live in caregiver for home care is a perfectly viable option.

To bring a person in to assist with intimate functions such as bathing and dressing can work. A live in caregiver can fill the void and allow your loved one to function in the comfort of their own home.

1) When choosing a live in caregiver for your family member it is essential that you find the perfect match. It isn’t just about getting someone who has credentials; it’s finding the person who is a perfect match. Personalities can clash and making sure everyone is comfortable is crucial.

2) To help your candidate as a live in caregiver you need to ensure he or she has all the information required. What specifically ...
... is the job description? If your loved one is overweight, can this person physically manage the personal care? Be sure the possible candidate is fully aware of the ailments you loved one is afflicted with.

3) Have a financial plan. How much are you able to pay and for how long? A sound financial plan helps you to hire quality care for your loved one.

4) Write out the job description. You need to sit down and sort out exactly what an average week looks like. This includes personal hygiene routines, nutritional requirements, medications, and feeding. (Does the food need to be pureed/are there food allergies?) Also, what household chores need doing, vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen/bathroom, etc? Doctor’s appointments and even social events are to be factored in.

5) Shop around. It’s very rare that the first person you interview is the perfect match for your loved on. You need to “shop around.” Check out the want ads, but also agencies. This is a very important decision, and it is very important the right person is hired. This can never be stressed enough, if your loved one can not verbally communicate, it is imperative you hire the right person. And it is even more important to communicate with your loved one on a regular basis and ask him or her how are things going. If they indicate to you that there may be something wrong – get to the bottom of things quickly.

Hiring a live in caregiver is an incredible alternative to having to move your loved one to a seniors’ residence and it empowers your loved one to be able to remain in the home that makes them feel at ease.

Starlet is author for GC Nexus Group, a Family caregivers agency provides professional caregivers throughout Montreal and Toronto in Canada. GC Nexus offers Senior caregivers, live in caregivers, seniors and elderly home care services for your parents and spouses by professionals.