Your aging parent’s caregiver is a professional, but the caregiver can also become an integral part of your family. Home caregivers enjoy getting to know the aging adults they care for each day. They also know building strong relationships with family members helps seniors get the most from their care. Getting to know your parent’s caregiver is as easy as using these strategies.
1. Give the Caregiver Some Early Insights
New caregivers understand it takes time to build relationships, but you can help things go faster by sharing some essential information. Letting the caregiver know your loved one gets moody at certain times of the day or has a few favourite foods will make the job easier. Sharing information early on sets the stage for communicating effectively later, and your parent’s caregiver will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
2. Trust the Caregiver’s Expertise
Hiring a professional from a home care agency means your parent’s caregiver has undergone a thorough background check. Caregivers also receive training when they’re hired as well as continuous education throughout their careers. If your parent’s caregiver says he or she notices a new symptom, make sure to get it checked out. At-home caregivers are also skilled in demonstrating different techniques for caring for seniors.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading home care service agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
3. Include the Caregiver in Family Events
Let your parent’s caregiver know he or she is a special part of the family by inviting him or her to share in social occasions. The caregiver might be unable to attend a birthday party for your parent, but he or she might enjoy baking a cake with your parent to celebrate the special day. Holidays are also a great time to share a thank-you card or another sign of gratitude to keep positive feelings flowing.
4. Respect the Caregiver’s Time & Commitment
Home care is designed to be available when seniors need it, especially if families are concerned about leaving their aging loved ones alone. While your parent’s caregiver might be ready to jump in to help with little notice, it does show respect to provide a heads-up when you can. Consider creating a calendar system so you can share notes about upcoming appointments or your parent’s anticipated special care needs. Show up from your respite breaks on time, and if you’re running late, make sure to let the caregiver know. Little things make a big difference in helping you maintain a friendly relationship.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional in-home care, Oakville Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
5. Communicate Regularly
Try to plan time to talk to your parent’s caregiver. This could be a few minutes before you leave the house, or you might need to plan longer meetings for major changes in your parent’s health. Ask your parent’s caregiver how he or she likes to communicate. A quick text during the day or an email can go a long way toward making sure everyone is on the same page.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Oakville, ON, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (905) 337-1200.