If your senior loved one is determined to live at home instead of moving into an assisted living facility, making sure he or she remains as independent as possible without compromising safety will likely include using in-home care services. To make the transition smooth for the new caregiver and your loved one, make sure to prepare the home prior to the caregiver’s arrival. Here are some of the steps you should follow when getting the house ready.
1. Shop for Caregiving Supplies
If you have the caregiver’s contact information, it’s a good idea to get an idea of what type of supplies he or she will need. You should also make sure toiletries and other necessities are easy to find in the home, whether or not the caregiver brings his or her own personal hygiene products. Providing the necessary supplies may make the caregiver feel more relaxed.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care seniors can trust and rely on.
2. Provide a Personal Room
Clear out one of the rooms and add a desk, bed, and other furniture that seems inviting. Make sure other family members, including your loved one, know this room is private. The only time anyone should enter the room is with permission from the caregiver or in the event of an emergency. If there isn’t an extra room in the home, designate a specific area for the new caregiver where he or she can go to relax, regroup, or rest.
3. Clear Out Space in Closets & the Refrigerator
Your family should make the new caregiver feel right at home from the moment he or she steps onto the property, which includes providing a space in the closet to hang a coat as well as areas in the refrigerator to store his or her food. Set out whiteboards, notepads, and writing instruments where the caregiver can document your loved one’s day.
Fair Oaks senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
4. Ask about the Caregiver’s Preferences
For the caregiving experience to go smoothly, the caregiver must feel comfortable and be able to prepare meals, clean, run errands, and perform other tasks at his or her own pace. You should want the new caregiver to feel important to you and your family, so make the home as warm and inviting as possible.
5. Share Your Expectations
The preferences of a new caregiver are important, but so are your expectations. Don’t be shy about explaining the rules so you can maintain a healthy atmosphere in the home for you, your loved one, and other relatives. For example, if there’s a specific area for the caregiver to park in the driveway, make sure to let him or her know. Communicating your expectations can help the new caregiver stay updated and organized.
Family caregivers can benefit in various ways by hiring professional caregivers to assist their loved ones. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Fair Oaks seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (916) 485-4663.