Mobility pressures come as people age. Simple daily activities that are normally and easily done become tough hills to climb. Going out for a simple walk in the park or visiting friends may seem out hand. If your loved one is battling to survive even the daily mundane of living, probably it’s time for you consider getting a caregiver to assist your elder and make his aging life as comfortable as possible.
How do I get a caregiver?
This is perhaps the next question on your mind. With the increasing trend in the population of seniors especially in developed countries, caregiving service also becomes a growing business. You can definitely find a caregiver easily but you have to be cautious because it isn’t just a piece of commodity you find in a grocery. Caregiving entails a great deal of responsibility that getting a caregiver also requires a great deal of thinking.
To help you out in the process, these considerations might help you in hiring the best person for your loved one:
Assess you elder’s needs. Choosing the right caregiver for your elder depends on his present condition. It is easier if he is mentally sound and just needs physical assistance because a non-medical personal care will do, but if your loved one is suffering from any forms of mental disorder, you might need a more skillful and trained caregiver. Consider also the physical disability of your elder. If he has trouble in walking unassisted or has difficulty getting out of bed, your caregiver should be physically able to carry your elder’s weight.
Appraise your financial capabilities. Needless to say, hiring a caregiver accompanies financial concerns. The cost of a caregiver depends on the needs of your elder. If your finances can sustain for an in-house caregiver, it would be a viable choice. If your working hours is flexible, you can also go for a cheaper per-hour basis and take care of your elder once you get home from work.
Ask your friends and relatives for referrals. This may be the most sensible option you should consider. More than good credentials printed on the caregiver’s resume, it’s good to know that the caregiver you’ll get has worked satisfactorily for someone you’re acquainted with. In this way, you’ll somehow have peace of mind that your elder is in good hands even when everybody in the house is out.
Arrange for interview. It’s always good to interview applicants personally because you’ll have your own assessment of the candidates’ personality during the course of questions and answers. Before conducting the interview, you should have prepared the necessary questions to be asked to make the process smooth and easy.
Assess your candidate’s character references and criminal background. The idea of having a stranger to live with the family is always risky that’s why it’s very crucial to get a background check of your potential caregiver. More than just skills, you would want a caregiver who is emphatic and compassionate. Somebody who cares for your loved one more than for the paychecks she receives.
When all of these A’s don’t work out well, you still have the other option of getting a caregiver from an agency. In doing so, you need to be extra cautious and choose one with unblemished reputation. The idea of having a complete stranger living with the family is somehow scary but you’ll do away with the risks by your careful decisions.
