The Importance of Assembling the Right Caregiving Team

Caregiver in Rockwell NC

There is so much involved in the care of your loved one. Assembling the right team is key.

Your loved one will need the support of a caring, qualified team that should consist of your home care agency staff, medical professionals and a dietician or nutritionist, if needed. These are the people with whom you are trusting your loved one’s health and safety.

Home care can involve anything from assisting your aging parents with daily activities like dressing, bathing and eating to cooking, cleaning, housekeeping and giving medication.

Start with the home care agency. Take the following into consideration before hiring a home care agency:

●       The agency’s reputation. Learn as much as you can about the agency before receiving services. How long have they been in business? Are they licensed?

●       How they select their staff. Do they check references or perform background checks?

●       What are the costs? In-home care cost can get pretty high depending on the level of need. Be sure you understand what your loved one’s insurance will and will not cover and inquire about possible hidden costs with the agency.

After you have hired a home care agency, you will want to have the opportunity to interview potential staff. Conducting hands-on interviews with potential home care staff is recommended. This gives you and your loved one the opportunity to asks questions, voice concerns and see if would be a good fit.

There are specific requirements that you should look for in their staff that will be placed in your loved one’s home. They include:

●       Has he or she had any experience caring for adults the same age and medical needs as your loved one?

●       How much overall home care experience have they had?

●       What is their educational background and training? Does the agency offer continuing education and training?

After you have hired the right agency and your loved one’s home care provider has been chosen, it will be time to establish a communication plan between you and the providers. Doing so can prevent future miscommunication and possibly decrease the occurrences of mistakes.

This can be achieved two ways; having your home care provider keep thorough notes in a notebook and meeting regularly. Keeping notes is a good to record and exchange information. Team meetings are great to discuss what is and isn’t working as well as discussing needs and concerns.

Assembling the best caregiving team for your loved one is beneficial to everyone involved. Following these tips will help. Remember, you are your loved one’s best advocate.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Rockwell, NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132.