5 Things To Consider When Choosing Home Care For Your Elderly Parent(s)

Care options can vary greatly in terms of level of care and services offered so it's important to select the right one for your loved one. Here are five things to keep in mind when choosing home care for your mother or father. 

1. How much help do your parents need on a daily basis?

Most elderly people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. In order to do this, they may need some help with the tasks of daily living. The amount of help required can vary depending on the individual's health and abilities, but companionship is often one of the most important things. Just having someone to talk to and spend time with can make a big difference in someone's day-to-day life. Other common needs include assistance with washing and getting dressed, meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry. In some cases, more specialised care may be required, such as help with taking medication or managing chronic health conditions. Making a note of your parent's daily needs will help to discuss the right level of care so that they are able to live independently for as long as possible.

2. What are your parents specific needs and preferences when it comes to home care assistance (e.g., diet, activities, socialisation)?

Every family has different needs and preferences. For some families, diet is a top priority. They may want their parents to have access to healthy meals that are cooked fresh each day. For other families, language is a key concern. They may want their parents to be able to speak with their caregiver in their native language. Other families may place a high importance on socialisation and keeping connected with family and friends. They may want their parents to have opportunities to interact with other people on a regular basis or require assistance using the phone, email and social media to keep in touch. No matter what the specific needs and preferences are, it is important to find a home care provider that can meet them.

3. Are you comfortable with the home care agency and individual caregiver that you will be working with?

When choosing a home care agency, it is important that you feel comfortable with both the agency and the individual caregiver. After all, they will be coming into your parent's home and working with you on a regular basis. One way to get a sense of whether an agency is the right fit for you is to ask about their ethos and values. Do they prioritise providing compassionate care? Are they open to feedback? Do they have a flexible approach to caregiving? Once you have a good understanding of the agency's philosophy, you can start to narrow down your choices. If you have specific needs, such as experience with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, be sure to ask about the agency's experience in this area. By taking the time to find the right match, you can ensure that you are comfortable with the home care agency and individual caregiver that will be looking after your parents.

4. Will the home care provider be available when you need them to be (24/7 coverage if needed)?

An important factor to consider when choosing a home care provider is their availability. If your parents need 24/7 coverage, be sure to ask if the provider offers this service. Some home care providers only offer coverage during specific hours or days, so it is important to make sure that their schedule aligns with your needs. Additionally, many home care providers offer on-call services or live-in carers for times when you need coverage outside of their regular hours. This can give you peace of mind knowing that someone will be available to help if an unexpected situation arises.

5. How will you know if your parents are receiving a good quality of care from their home care provider?

When entrusting the care of parents to someone else, it's natural to want to be sure that they are receiving the best possible standard of care. There are a few different ways to check up on the quality of care they are receiving. When choosing home care, look for recommendations from friends or family who have used home care providers in the past. Another is to research online, looking for ratings and reviews. Finally, the Care Quality Commission is an independent body that inspects and regulates health and social care services in England. They publish regular reports on their website, which can be a helpful way to learn about the quality of care being provided by a particular provider. Your parents should feel happy and relaxed around their CareGiver, and their home should be clean and comfortable. Finally, a way to know if your elderly parents are receiving good quality of care is by the approachability of the provider. A good provider should be open to feedback and willing to work with you to ensure that your elderly parent is getting the best possible care. If you have any concerns, it's important to approach the provider directly so they have a chance to address them. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your parents receive the high-quality care they deserve.