Facing Reality in Home Care

Facing the reality of finding a caregiver and a Home Care agency that can assist us with an aging parent, loved one with disabilities or someone who cannot be left alone can be stressful.

None of us want to face that reality however, it does and will come for many of us. The first thing we must do is evaluate the needs for our loved one and determine what kind of services they will need and how often will they need them. A few examples are: • Company, conversation and companionship • Ensuring that medications, etc. are taken on time • Fun activities and community engagement • Light housekeeping and similar household task • Personal care, bathing and related support • Preparing meals and ensuring proper nutrition • Shopping, laundry and similar errands

Most of these tasks are basic but for loved ones who had lived independently in the past, these basic tasks present a challenge. Do your research when choosing a home care agency are, here are some tips for making your decision: • Look for a reputable, well established company. • What kind of benefits does the company offer to its workers.

Larger, more established companies offer great benefits which bring long term satisfied employees. • Does insurance cover caregiver services? Or what governmental programs are there to help. • 24/7 Availability. • Availability of caregiver staff (days off, holiday coverage, backup caregiver if needed). • Does the agency employ Family

Members to take care of loved ones?

Also, make sure that you talk to your loved one. Their opinion counts too. Allow yourself and your loved one to build trust in the company and the caregiver. The agency is there to help you and the needs of the one you care about.

Editor’s Note: Submitted and written by: Garry Aronson, Director of Communications, Patriot Home Care. For more information contact Kelly Cope, Branch Manager at Patriot Home Care, Beaver Falls PA, 724-506-8911 or visit https://www. patriothomecare.org/locations-beaver-falls. html. See our ad on page 119.