What does in-home care look like for your loved one?

Aging in the comfort of one’s own home is what every aging person may desire. Before starting your search for an in-home care provider, it is good to know what you’re looking for to ensure safety, dignity, and compassionate care is provided.

Take inventory of your loved one’s daily needs and make a list of all the needs and wants to provide quality of life at home. The more details you have, the easier it will be to find in-home care that meets those needs.

Home care isn’t one-size-fits-all. From companionship to 24 hr assistance, in-home care provides different services based on each family’s unique needs. 

When hiring an in-home care provider, consider the following:

Does your loved one need help with activities of daily living (ADLs)?

Needing assistance with ADLs indicates that it may be time for in-home care. They may only need help with a few daily activities, like dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. Others may need full-time assistance using the restroom, eating, and drinking.

Do they need transportation? 

If your aging parent can’t drive, they may need help to and from doctor’s appointments and other activities. Ask if caregivers are comfortable providing transportation.

Do they need housekeeping?

Many seniors are particular about how they maintain their homes. They may simply require help with changing light bulbs or they may want bathrooms and other household chores completed. If so, do they have any specific directions like separating laundry, polishing wood, or ironing linens? Write down housekeeping preferences and needs.

Does your aging parent have pets to care for? 

It’s important to notify home care providers about pets due to possible allergies and phobias. Also, record any ways to care for pets – will they be taking a dog on long walks or just letting the pet into the back yard?

Resource: The Importance of Pet Therapy for Seniors

Do they need companionship? 

If your aging loved one is fairly independent but experiencing loneliness or isolation, home care can be a great way to increase stimulation and interaction. If their primary need is companion care, be sure to conduct interviews alongside your loved one for a personality match.

Is your loved one experiencing dementia or cognitive decline? 

Some in-home care providers are specially trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Ask about their experience with cognitive decline, and be upfront about your parent’s dementia behaviours. Disclose sundown syndrome, aggression, and any other common responses to dementia symptoms upfront.

Do they need medical care?

If your loved one has a chronic condition or requires medical care, look into a provider with nurses on staff. 

Promyse Home Care Service is unique in offering Nurse Case Management to all their clients. Nurse Case Managers will meet with you and your loved ones to determine initial needs and supports. Services provided by our Nurse Case Managers are at no additional charge. 

We will always be there for you as time goes on and as needs change. We will work with you and with your loved ones to make short-term and long-term care management plans for their in-home care needs.