Convincing an aging loved one to accept home care isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Once they’ve finally agreed to hire an in-home caregiver, getting them to “settle in” to receiving home care can oftentimes be just as challenging.

If your senior is like most, to fully settle into a new home care routine may take a little time and effort. Here’s how to minimize setbacks along the way so that they will continue to receive the care that’s needed.

Why Do Clients Fire Caregivers?

Whether they’re assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), or providing other services like medication reminders and transportation, these are the main reasons why clients fire in-home caregivers:

  • Poor communication, especially when multiple caregivers are involved
  • Caregivers aren’t punctual
  • Inconsistent quality of care
  • Caregiver isn’t being attentive (Talking on cell phone, etc.)
  • Lack of caregiver training
  • Language barriers/cultural differences
  • Being charged extra for holidays and 12-hour shifts
  • Not being notified when the primary caregiver calls in sick

How to Ensure Home Care Success

Stopping home care prematurely could place your loved one’s health and wellbeing at risk. When hiring a caregiver, maintaining your senior’s quality of life is the primary goal. Here’s how to ensure a more seamless process:

Conduct screening interviews

Before hiring any caregiver it’s important for all of you to sit down first and get acquainted. During the screening interview look for signs that the personalities will mesh, or not. Ask specific questions about the caregiver’s experience, training and skills. If you are hiring a professional through a home care agency, find a company that conducts background checks and drug screenings on their employees.

Plan ahead

Although your loved one may only need a little companionship or housecleaning assistance at first, the level of care needed will probably change in the future. Hiring a caregiver that can address those inevitable challenges should help ensure a more seamless transition when the time comes. Look for a caregiver upfront that’s trained to provide more intensive services like dementia care or injury and fall prevention.

Have a backup plan

In the event of an emergency, make sure that you have a backup plan. If the primary caregiver has-to call in sick will another fill in so that mom will be safe and comfortable? Do they use several modes of communication, including video chats, emails or text messages? Be sure to also screen any backup caregivers in advance so that there are no surprises if-and-when their services are needed.

Avoid billing surprises

One of the biggest turnoffs for home care clients is receiving a bill with unexpected charges. Help your loved one avoid any billing surprises by carefully researching the caregiver or company’s fees in advance. Find out if they offer flexible rates and be sure get their billing policies for longer shifts, weekends and holidays in writing.

Monitor progress

Stay updated on how the caregiving process is going by requesting status reports from the provider. It’s also important to communicate with your loved one so that you can determine if their caregiving needs are being met. Don’t forget to include your siblings and other family members in the decision-making loop so that no one feels slighted.

Build trust

In any caregiver/client relationship trust is the key. If for some reason the caregiver isn’t a good match, tell the company that they are working for and why. Most providers will try to work with you and find a replacement with the desired skills and personality.

An Extended Family in Your Loved One’s Home

Finding your aging loved one a caregiver the whole family can trust isn’t easy. At New Wave Home Care, we are a licensed home care provider with compassionate professionals that can provide your senior with the nurturing they need. While serving as an extended family in the home, our highly skilled caregivers use a unique approach that’s all about compassion and connection, delivered with an added personal touch that allows our clients to experience a degree of joy and really settle into their new home care routine.

We support clients and their families with personalized in-home services like respite care, transitional care, personal care, specialized care, medication reminders, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and hospice support. At New Wave Home Care, it’s not just about caregiving. It’s about heart! To learn more now or set up a FREE in-home assessment for a senior in the greater Los Angeles area please visit us today at www.newwavehomecare.com.