Helping an Aging Parent Get Used to 24-Hour Care

Certain health conditions can make it unsafe for seniors to age in place independently, and sometimes they need 24-hour supervision so they can remain as safe and healthy as possible. Because many families don’t have the time, resources, and expertise to provide the care their elderly loved ones need in these instances, they often choose to work with professional agencies that can provide 24-hour home care. If your loved one needs around-the-clock care and is having a difficult time adjusting to the transition, here are a few ways you can ease his or her mind.

Meet with the Caregiver in a Group Setting

Instead of having your loved one’s caregiver show up alone or unannounced, try to schedule the first meeting when you or another family member can also be at your loved one’s home. For many seniors, one of the most difficult parts of receiving 24-hour in-home care is feeling like strangers are living in their homes. Showing you’re comfortable with the caregiver may put your parent at ease. By setting a friendly tone early on, you can prevent uncomfortable situations, miscommunication, and hard feelings down the road.

When searching for reliable home care San Francisco agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Corio by IOA, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments, and much more.

Open the Lines of Communication

The transition to 24-hour home care might be easier if your loved one doesn’t feel cut off from his or her family and friends. If your loved one has a mobile phone, spend some time teaching him or her how to find specific contacts and send text messages. You can also stock your loved one’s home with envelopes, stamps, an address book, and anything else that might help him or her regularly interact with family and friends. No one wants to feel like a family member is being replaced with a caregiver.

Get the Home Ready

Seniors who require 24-hour assistance will likely need some help getting their homes ready. Instead of having a stranger go through your loved one’s belongings, your parent might be more comfortable prepping the home with the help of family members. You can designate specific areas for your loved one’s belongings that won’t be touched or moved at any time, and you can also get out any supplies the caregiver might need so he or she doesn’t need to search the house. Some other tasks your loved one might need help with include stocking the refrigerator, doing some light housekeeping, and organizing medical supplies.

For many seniors, 24-hour home care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Corio by IOA, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.

Focus on Upcoming Events & Outings

Having something to look forward to can make a difficult transition much easier to manage. Remind your loved one about upcoming birthday or holiday celebrations he or she will be a part of, and plan a few visits or outings soon after the care services begin so your parent has something immediate and tangible to focus on.

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide 24-hour care as well as overnight and live-in care. Families can turn to Corio by IOA for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Corio by IOA team at (415) 750-4111 today.