Hiring a professional caregiver to care full or part time for an aging loved one can come with some obstacles to overcome. Mostly these obstacles have to do with adjusting to the new dynamic of having someone else care for someone you love.
If you’re new on this journey, the following information should help put you at ease and give you confidence that hiring a professional caregiver to help with the very important task of caring for a senior adult can be one of the best decisions you ever make.
When’s the right time to hire a professional caregiver?
The answer is simple – it’s sooner than you think. By the time most people come to the conclusion that they need a professional caregiver to help their situation, they are usually pretty stressed out and in over their head. Or worse yet, there’s been an accident that could have been avoided if a caregiver had been there.
Finding the right caregiver and adjusting to this new relationship takes time, likely more than you think. Even if your aging loved one is showing no signs of needing an in-home caregiver just yet, it’s worth exploring the options for when they do. Reach out to your local businesses, ask for recommendations and ask questions. You’ll be glad you started the process early!
How can you trust someone with such an important job?
This is a fair question. Trusting someone to care for your loved one the way you would can be a challenge. You can and should do everything you can to learn about your potential caregivers. Interview them, ask questions and get to know their personal style. The fact is they are not you, and will never care for your loved one exactly as you would. However, their way can be equally as good – or even better if you consider that by them caring for your senior parent, this reduces the burden on you.
Trust takes time. You should allow the caregiver to adjust to their new environment and learn the routine. Don’t judge things based on the first few weeks. It’s a learning experience for everyone. All parties need a little grace to adjust to the new dynamic – that includes you, the caregiver and the person for whom they are caring. If something bothers you, speak up! If you have a question, ask it! This is the only way you will build trust and form a relationship with the caregiver.
What’s the real cost?
One of the first thoughts that might come to mind when considering a professional caregiver is “What is this going to cost?” or “Can we afford this?” This is a natural mindset to have, but it’s so important to shift this mindset a bit. Rather, ask yourself “What is proper care for my loved one worth to me?” and “What’s the value of my peace of mind?” Yours answers to these two questions will really change the way you look at the cost of a professional caregiver.
Quality care does not come cheap. Nor should it! It’s an investment in the health and wellbeing of someone you love deeply. Families who choose to hire a professional caregiver may have to readjust financially to make it possible, but it’s a small sacrifice to be able to fully enjoy time with your loved one again. Simply put, a professional caregiver allows parents and their children to maintain this relationship without the added stress and burden of caregiving.
Are you or someone you know facing the challenge of finding the right caregiver to care for an aging loved one? We can help answer your questions! Reach out to Ella Home Care today.
