Age-in-Place: How to choose a caregiver
It’s a fact that caring for an aging or disabled loved one can be rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. If left unchecked, the stress of caregiving can take a toll on a person’s health, relationships, and state of mind—something healthcare professionals refer to as “caregiver burnout.”
Hiring a caregiver for long term care or occasional respite can help prevent caregiver burnout. Partnering with a trusted care provider can be a win-win for both the person receiving care and their caregiver, especially if the role of caregiver has fallen on a spouse or other family member.
The following is a list of tips for finding the right caregiver to help in your home:
- Word of Mouth: Ask trusted neighbors, friends and acquaintances from church or other organizations you’re a part of if they’ve had any positive experiences with caregivers.
- Licensed, Insured and Certified: In Washington State, all caregivers are required to be licensed by the state. Take My Hand At-Home Care is registered with the Washington State Department of Health and our caregivers are certified.
- Agency vs. Private: You will want to consider the pros and cons of hiring a private caregiver versus going through an agency. For the health and well-being of your loved one, please make sure any caregivers you hire are licensed, insured and certified!
- Service Plan: When interviewing potential caregivers, you’ll want to have a list of the type and frequency of services you’ll expect them to provide. Agencies like Take My Hand At-Home will help prepare a service plan for you.
When you’re ready to learn more about aging-in-place and hiring a professional eldercare company, contact Take My Hand At-Home Care. Our Lynden, WA small business is ready to help!
