Talking to your Parent about Getting Home Care Help
Caregiver in Grand Rapids MI: Talking to your Parent about Getting Home Care Help
As a family caregiver, you may have been caring for your parent for awhile and are finding that their needs are increasing on a monthly basis. It’s clear you cannot continue to provide all the care they require, but there is no one else in the immediate area to provide respite care. Both you and your parent want them to remain in their home as they age. Your parent is feeling very anxious about the possibility of a stranger spending time in their home.
The Talk
It’s important that your parent knows that when they hire an in-home care provider from a service that these care providers have been screened and are well-trained. Knowing they are professionals who have cared for countless seniors can help take away a little of the angst.
Include your parent in the hiring process so that they feel a part of this important decision. Go through potential applicant profiles together and set up interviews. Schedule these interviews when you and your parent can be involved and encourage your parent to ask any pertinent questions that are important to them. As Ramon Bautista once said, “The only stupid question is the question that is never asked.”
Integration
Integrate the in-home care provider into your parent’s caregiving a little at a time. Choose areas that you would like to hand-off until you can eventually schedule them for at least two days a week in order to provide the respite care so important to the primary family caregiver. Areas to consider are personal hygiene such as bathing or dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation or running errands such as grocery shopping. Schedule some social outings for the care provider and your parent to enjoy together. Have them accompany them on a walk through a botanical garden or nature preserve. Encourage your parent to enjoy a meal with them at their favorite restaurant. Before you know it, your parent will be requesting more time with their new-found companion.
Caregiver
Caring for a family member can be one of the most rewarding tasks you will ever undertake. It can also be the most challenging. Be sure to take the time you need to recharge and rejuvenate. Spend time involved in activities that bring you great joy. Schedule outings with close friends. Care for yourself by eating well, exercising and enjoying luxurious baths in scented sea salts or rummaging through the neighborhood antique store—whatever puts a smile on your face and pep in your step.
If you or someone you know needs caregiver services in Grand Rapids, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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