An in-home caregiver can make a world of difference for people who might otherwise struggle to maintain their quality of life on their own. If your loved one isn’t able to consistently prepare their meals, tend to their basic needs, or get around the house or neighborhood without risking a fall, an in-home caregiver can help them live life to the fullest. But while hiring an in-home caregiver is an excellent solution, the care duties don’t stop there. It’s equally important to ensure that you regularly check in with your in-home care provider about your loved one’s status. Here are a few benefits of an open line of communication and the best ways to stay in touch.
Benefits of Checking In With Your In-Home Care Provider
The benefits of an in-home caregiver are fairly apparent. They can provide the care, support, and companionship your loved one needs to continue to enjoy their golden years. And while the benefits of regular caregiver check-ins might not be as immediately tangible, they’re no less crucial to securing the best care for your loved one.
Stay Up-To-Date on Your Loved One’s Needs.
A person’s in-home caregiving needs are ever-evolving, and a quality caregiver can adapt as needed. But if you aren’t in regular contact with your loved one or caregiver, you might be surprised to learn how their needs have evolved. By keeping up-to-date with your loved one’s changing condition, you can advise your care team about how to continue providing the best care to meet your loved one’s wishes.
Improve Your Satisfaction With Your Loved One’s Care.
When you regularly check in with your in-home caregiver, you’ll gain a much better appreciation for all the effort and attention they put into looking after your loved one’s needs. As a result, this can give you peace of mind knowing that your parent or older relative is in the best hands.
Avoid Misunderstandings.
Without proper communication, it’s easy for misunderstandings to add up. These can cause distress for all parties involved, including caregivers, family members, and those receiving care. Rather than allowing misunderstandings to crop up, schedule regular check-ins with your in-home caregiver to stay on top of all the details and nip potential issues in the bud.
The Best Ways To Check In With Your In-Home Care Provider
So we’ve explored how regular check-ins with your in-home care providers are good for you, your loved one, and your caregiver. But what are the best ways to perform those regular check-ins, and why? Here are a few examples of how you might communicate with your in-home caregiver.
In-person. This is by far the best way to check in with your in-home caregiver whenever it’s an option. When you visit your loved one, take time to chat with your in-home caregiver about how things are going.
Phone or video chat. Of course, not everyone lives within easy visiting distance of their relatives, or can make the trip with the regularity they might prefer. In these cases, a phone or video call with your caregiver is an excellent way to check in from afar.
Email. Email is not a permanent solution to the need to check in on your loved one’s care. However, for intermittent communication to supplement an in-person, phone, or video check-in, email is a great way to stay on top of things regularly. Just be sure to continue scheduling more hands-on and face-to-face check-ins rather than letting email become the default; there’s still no compromise when it comes to seeing or talking to a person directly.
About Generations Home Care
Generations Home Care personalized in-home care and support services help those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, living with a chronic disease, or dealing with the natural process of aging. We help people live a fuller, healthier, and independent life.
Our caregivers are trained in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended COVID-19 safety precautions. We offer levels of care ranging from companionship, to respite for the primary family caregiver, to homemaking services, to assistance with activities of daily living, to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Generations Home Care takes a holistic approach and emphasizes a consistent, client-centered plan of care.
Our Specialty Services Include:
- Rehab or hospital-to-home programs for safe discharge.
- Short-term post-operative care during recovery periods.
- Non-medical life management services for people with chronic conditions.
- Veteran’s connection to care program.
- Live-in services and couples care.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at 602-595-HOME (4663) or by filling out the contact form on our website.