What to Look for in an In-Home Caregiver

The more assistance your aging loved one needs, the more challenging it could be for you to step in and help, regardless of how dedicated you are. However, moving your parent to a retirement home or nursing facility may be against his or her wishes, or something your family wants to avoid. In these instances, it would be best to look for in-home caregiving assistance. The qualities mentioned below are some of the most important to look for in an in-home caregiver.

Someone Who Promotes Independence

Even though your loved one could be experiencing limitations with physical and mental wellbeing, it’s important to continue to take on daily activities that boost his or her overall health and confidence. An in-home caregiver should promote independence without risking your loved one’s safety.

For instance, the caregiver could help with bathing and dressing, but look for ways to keep your loved one active, such as allowing him or her to exercise without assistance as long as it doesn’t jeopardize your loved one’s health. The in-home caregiver could also select clothing from the closet that’s easy to put on and can be managed throughout the day when using the restroom and other necessities.

If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care in San Francisco, Corio by Institute on Aging (IOA) 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.

Specializations

If your parent cannot walk, he or she may require assistance with heavy lifting and exercising. Or perhaps your loved one has developed dementia or Alzheimer’s, causing difficulty remembering what foods to eat, the correct medications to take, or how to move around the home safely without getting injured.

In-home caregivers specialize in helping seniors who are living with a variety of health conditions and can make daily life more effective and less challenging. Caregivers know what to avoid, what steps to take to ease a situation, and how to make your loved one comfortable and safe.

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional memory care. Families can rely on Corio by IOA to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

Patience & Empathy

Although an in-home caregiver is there to do a job, he or she should have the patience, empathy, and social skills your parent needs. Caregivers can face challenging times when providing care, but they always show patience and compassion.

An in-home caregiver’s patience could increase your loved one’s tolerance. The caregiver could encourage your loved one to keep trying instead of lashing out or giving up.

Great Communication

Keeping your support team aware of your parent’s daily activities and overall wellbeing is vital, and it begins with excellent communication. An in-home caregiver must ensure you’re updated.

A caregiver who remains transparent and straightforward allows your family to get your parent the help he or she needs, whether that’s different medication, a new diet plan, or a change in living conditions. Even if a situation is negative, the in-home caregiver should always communicate clearly.

Flexibility

Being flexible allows caregivers to get things done immediately, unlike when seniors need to share care at an assisted living facility. The in-home caregiver your family selects should be able to balance your loved one’s schedules without disrupting his or her daily life.

The hours a caregiver works each week could be based on the hours when you need additional help. Sometimes around-the-clock assistance is needed. Whatever the needs, Corio by IOA is available.

Families looking for top-rated live-in care providers can reach out to Corio by IOA. From 24-hour assistance to specialized dementia care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us today at (415) 750-4111.