What to Expect On The First Day With Your Home Care Assistance Provider
In home care in Brentwood is the best thing you can do if you have an elderly relative you are unable to take care of by yourself. As diligent and compassionate as family caregivers may be, there’s always the risk that certain aspects of the elderly person’s needs and care are being overlooked or neglected. Besides, all the tension and stress could make things unbearable, which can take a toll on family relationships. That is where home care assistance comes in, ensuring that your loved one receives the best care and your personal relationship remains intact.
Be outspoken from the start – ask the home care assistance agency about anything you’re unclear about. Do the same with the caregiver, and, over time, you’ll build a healthy and pleasant work environment together. But before you do, you naturally want to know what to expect on the caregiver’s very first day, so there are no surprises for anyone involved. The whole home care assistance arrangement will go much more smoothly if that initial uncertainty is reduced to a minimum.
Prepare your loved one for the caregiver’s arrival
Help your elderly relative prepare for the arrival of their new caregiver so they’d be involved in the process as much as possible. Discuss the caregiver’s role and the expectations that both you and your loved one have. Avoid any uncomfortable, socially awkward or plain embarrassing scenarios by introducing the new caregiver to your loved one slightly in advance.
Household rules
Laying some ground rules on the very first day is in everyone’s best interest. Your family’s normal routine will change significantly due to the home care assistance provider’s frequent presence in your home, so you need to do whatever you can to soften the blow.
Bonding time
On the one hand, you’re welcoming a stranger into your home. On the other, this person will spend hours with your loved one each day. Sure, you want the two to develop mutual respect and understanding and get along well, but do not force it – the level of closeness is up to your loved one. Some clients simply do not want a close and friendly personal relationship with their caregiver, preferring to stay detached and keep things professional.
Sharing meals
It depends on the family’s preferences, but you and your elderly loved one are not required to provide or share meals with the caregiver.
Feedback appreciated
Be loud and clear about what you want and expect from your home care assistance provider, without assuming that anything goes without saying. Each elderly person in need of care is unique, just like each caregiver providing home care assistance, so speak your mind at the end of their first day on the job.
Allow A Better Way in Homecare to refer you to your new home care assistance provider
We provide referrals for the most outstanding home care assistance providers with unrivaled expertise, professionalism and genuine compassion and empathy. We strive to make home care assistance a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Call A Better Way in Homecare today and let us help you act in your loved one’s best interest.