If you have a elderly loved one who has reached the point of needing extra care, you may already know that there are many options are out there for you to consider. From family provided care to an in home caregiver, adult day care to independent or assisted living, figuring out what type of care is the best fit can be a daunting task. It takes consideration of the person who needs the care and of the family situation. Deciding what type of care your elderly loved one needs can be a very personal choice.
Choosing In Home Care
For many families, an in home caregiver may be the best option. That’s because in home care allows an elderly loved one to remain in their home while still being provided with assistance, from bathing and meals to help with basic medical care. This option allows for a high level of care without losing the comfort of their home. Additionally, families are often happy to have their loved one stay in familiar surroundings.
Next Steps
If you have assessed your elderly loved one’s needs and have decided that and in home caregiver is the best option, you’re one step closer to providing them with the care that they need. But, there are still decisions to be made and key points to consider. These can help ensure the best service provider is selected and that the level of care provided will be of the highest standards.
Researching In Home Care Providers
The first step in making any care-related decision is to do some research. A quick Google search of providers in your area can help you to make a list of the companies you may want to contact.
When reviewing company websites, look for thorough and well-explained information that details the type of services they offer. You’ll also want to look for information on the business’ certifications and licensing, and look for any online testimonials.
Finally, look to see how long they have been in business. You can always choose to work with a newer company, but companies that have been in business longer may offer you more opportunities to connect with families who have worked with their caregivers in the past for both information and advice.
Interviewing In Home Care Providers
Once you narrow down your search to a few in home care providers, you’ll want to set up time to interview each one. This interview will give you the ability to get to know the company beyond what is listed on their website and ask targeted questions about their offerings.
Questions: Types of Services Provided
One of the most important questions to ask is what types of services are provided. Depending on the level of care your senior family member needs, you may need to locate a company that provides general care services or companies that offer specific types of care or medical-based services.
Questions: Learn More About the Staff and Caregivers
Once you have a feel for the available services, getting to know the staff is essential to beginning to build trust an in home care provider. Ask questions to better understand how staff are hired, what types of background checks are required, and what type of training staff members undergo. This is also a good time to learn more about continuing education for staff to ensure they are up-to-speed with the latest care trends.
Questions: How Are Emergencies and Special Situations Handled?
Once you have a feel for the staff, get to know the emergency procedures that are in place to keep your loved one safe. You can also ask for examples of situations that have occurred in the past and how they were handled. If your senior loved one has a unique care situation or need, be sure to mention it so the company can offer you information on how they might be able to support you through it.
Questions: Understand the Costs of Care
Finally, review costs in detail. You’ll want to make sure you fully understand what you’ll be paying for, what insurance does and doesn’t cover, and what your monthly costs will be so you can make the best decision for your available budget.
In Home Care Provider Recommendations & References
Every good in home care company will have happy previous and current clients. Ask the company to share any recommendations and references they have so you can get a first hand understanding of the level of care they provide.
If the in home care provider can connect you with a family or two, be sure to ask the family questions about their experience and the care their loved one received. Don’t forget to also ask about the customer service and support the family received.
References and recommendations of an in home caregiver are a great way to get to know a company and their level of service and care. So, it’s best to ask for as many references as you can and take the extra time to ask about their personal experience with the provider you are considering.
New Wave Home Care Can Provide You With the Best Care
In home caregiving can be an amazing and positive experience for your senior loved one, but it really does come down to the company in charge of the care. You want to make sure they are not only trustworthy and clear in their services, but that they also have good standing among their customers and the community.
If you’ve selected in home caregiving as the best care option for your elderly loved one, New Wave Home Care can help you navigate the process of selecting the right type of services for your family’s unique situation. To learn more about the care options New Wave Home Care provides, please visit our Services page and Contact Us to set up a time where we can answer all of your questions.
