Choosing a Professional Caregiver, either for yourself or your loved one, may be the most difficult thing you’ll ever do.

Let’s start with Trust & Companionship

First and foremost, this process is about YOU and your family. We know the worry and anxiety of this process – as Sons, Daughters, and Granddaughters who went through this with our own cherished loved ones – no one could hold their hand like we could, no one could make their favorite food or ensure they were getting proper nutrition (in between treats snuck in by the granddaughter), no one could make them comfortable when they were scared, confused, or embarrassed, no one would talk to them about their favorite things or watch out for them when they walked through a crowded area. Trust us, we know.

These feelings are OK! 

You’re carrying a lot of weight right now, sometimes you need to just set aside the nuts and bolts and talk from the heart.

Your Professional Caregiver Agency should act as your guide through all of the complicated financial options, care requirements and regulations, available services, and so forth. Those things are important, but they can wait. To really understand your own needs from your Caregiver, you should feel at ease and comfortable in a safe space to talk about the hard things. Things like dignity and incontinence, the effects of Dementia or restricted mobility, depression and the effects of change on mental wellbeing, bouts of sadness – and things that bring  joy and relief, help with memory or improve mood.

So let’s talk about you for a bit…Remember, this isn’t about schedules and lists – it’s aboutQuality of life.

What is important to you or your loved one needing care? What are the hobbies, activities, and interests you would like incorporated into your Caregiving? What are the aspects of hiring a Professional Caregiver that worry you? How do you feel about having a new person in your home? If you can, discuss these things with your family ahead of time will help you to build a good list of questions most important in finding a good match in a Caregiver. All of the bells and whistles, low costs or extra chores – mean nothing if you and your loved one are unable to connect and feel safe with your Caregiver.

Now that you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you’re looking for in a Caregiver, let’s figure out how to ask your questions…

Here are a few suggested questions to ask your Caregiver – feel free to revise them as you need. Make sure your Professional Caregiving or Home Care agency addresses them all to your satisfaction. Didn’t get all your answers the first time, or have additional follow-up questions – make sure you ask. A thorough understanding of a client’s need is beneficial for the Home Care Agency, the Caregiver, and YOU!