PROFESSIONAL IN-HOME CARE
Take time to reflect on
What time( s) of day or night do we need the most assistance?
• Getting up and ready in the morning
• Certain time of day when my loved one would otherwise be alone
• Certain time of day when my loved one has particular difficulty getting around
• Getting ready for bed
• Over night
• At mealtimes
• Weekdays
• Weekends
• Other
Am I able to easily transport my loved one to doctor’ s appointments, etc.?
What tasks around the house would I benefit from assistance with?
How would I spend my time while a professional caregiver is there?
Other care tasks or thoughts on professional in-home care:
Comments
In addition, reflect on how to get started with in-home care or how to get used to the idea. Here are a few pointers:
• Start slow, if possible, and build up hours as your comfort level increases.
• Acknowledge and validate some of the normal concerns and emotions that can arise when embarking on the decision to hire professional care.
• Realize that employing in-home help should increase safety, decrease stress and likely prolong the person’ s ability to live at home.
As a family care partner, how do I spend my time when the professional caregiver is here?
We often hear care partners voice comments like,“ It’ s been so long since I’ ve had any time to myself, I can’ t imagine what I would do with it.” For these reasons and others, we believe it is important for the family care partner to plan ahead as to how they will utilize their break or respite time. Write down an“ appointment” with yourself to read, take a walk, make a phone call, see a friend or go shopping. Likewise, you can schedule time to go to the hairdresser, doctor, massage or an exercise class. Once you have made your plan, be sure to follow through with it. The idea here is for the family member to think in terms of taking care of themselves for this period of time. After having a break, family care partners often return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Step 3: Understand the options.
Generally, professional caregivers are either self-employed(“ private duty” or“ independent”) or are employed by an agency. Many families explore both options, considering the general pros and cons of both. No matter what, it is important that you find the care that you feel is right for your unique care, financial and family situation and needs.