subject: How To Find The Right Home Care Agency [print this page] HOW TO HIRE A CAREGIVER FOR YOUR LOVED ONES
MATCHING A CAREGIVER WITH A LOVED ONE
Choosing someone to live with a member of you family in any situation is difficult for sure but moreover a sensitive issue. The dynamics of living with anyone is complicated not to mention that many new clients have lost their independence do to a gradual loss of physical and or mental capabilities. Matching up of personalities is so vital to the happiness and contentment of the client. Likes, dislikes, habits, joys, fears and many other factors come into play. The decision to have home care is sometimes mandatory from a Doctors directive, siblings pushing the idea for not only there parents help but their own peace of mind. Occasionally the client themselves decide it's time to get some help set things up on their own. Ideally the caregiver will become almost a part of the family and enhance the life of the client while easing the minds of the siblings and extended family.
THE PROCESS
The process to make this a successful transition is tenuous at first and I like to think of it like nurturing a new born baby. The first hours and days are vital to the success of the placement. Care plans are a good tool to help this process but some of the nuances of what is most important to the client can many times make or break the relationship. If done correctly and all involved know what to expect it increases the chance of success 10 fold. Interviews are ok but typically aren't as functional as some may think. Spending 20 to 30 minutes with someone and determining that this is a fit really never is a sure thing. It's best to mentally set the dynamics of the early days as a trial so nobody feels trapped or hurt if things don't work out. Once 10 days to 2 weeks has passed if the reports are positive you have a good foundation to work with. There are things to watch for as time goes on and time can be an enemy if the proper long term expectations aren't set.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR LONG TERM
So expectations are of course that the client should be as safe, happy and comfortable as possible. However the reality to often as people settle into relationships is that there is a danger of getting to comfortable or complacent. Even the client at times is so happy and appreciative of the company and new found relationship they at times become protective of the caregiver and even feel bad that they are having to do the work that needs to be done. Depending on the nature of the caregiver that can become an issue as people are only human. They may be a great caregiver but once given an inch may take a mile. Ongoing check ins and understanding of the clients personality traits can help avoid these potential problems. If this situation occurs and the family and or Homecare company steps in like a bull in a china shop then that can have a negative effect on the Client to caregiver relationship. Then feelings can be hurt and a curing process is needed which typically can be avoid if the psychology of both relationships are understood and monitored.
A relationship between a Caregiver and client can be life changing in such a positive way for a person in need of a caregiver that it may not only add years to there life but life in their years.
