How to Choose a Home Care Provider

You may eventually find that your parent or loved one requires assistance with the everyday activities of living. They may need help dressing, bathing, preparing meals and running the many errands that life demands such as grocery shopping or transportation to appointments. You may have opted to become their primary family caregiver—a role that brings with it some incredibly beautiful moments and others that can be quite challenging.

Home Care Lexington NC – How to Choose a Home Care Provider

As the family caregiver, you will need time to regroup, recharge, and enjoy activities that bring you great joy. While you may understand the need, your parent may not be so keen about a stranger entering their home a few days a week.

William Butler Yeats reminds us: “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.” When your parent’s home care provider becomes a close companion, they will understand these words. Until then, your need for time off may stir up some old abandonment issues or fear of the unknown. You can best help them with this transition by bringing light onto the subject, making that which is unfamiliar become natural—just a regular part of everyday life.

There are a few steps you can take to help make the process smooth and easy:

Keep your parent involved with the decision making process. This includes discussing several options and including them in the interview process.

Assure them that you are just a phone call away. As they become friends with their home care provider, calls will become fewer. It’s not uncommon for your parent to request more time with their new-found companion.

Make the initial “first day” fun. Pick one of your parent’s favorite activities, whether lunch at their neighborhood café, a stroll through a nearby museum, a walk along a wooded trail, or an afternoon window shopping and movie watching, and include it in the schedule.

If your parent has not become a regular attendee at the local senior community center, now is the time to participate. These centers are ideal places for them to meet community members that are going through similar circumstances. They are also often chockfull of classes including exercise and art, social outings and shared meals. Your home care provider can accompany them to their first initial introduction. You will probably find them requesting regular visits.

A home care provider not only assists with everyday activities, they often become your parent’s closest ally and strongest advocate. And knowing your parent is in good and capable hands will help you take the time you need to relax, recharge and lead a balanced life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.