For many of us in the “sandwich generation,” there comes a time when our family responsibilities include finding a reputable in-home caregiver agency for our aging parents. It is important to note that not all agencies are the same.
Here are some things to look for when you want to enlist the help of a professional in-home caregiver for the safety and well-being of your loved one:
- Safety First: Look for a home healthcare agency that emphasizes a safe environment. Your initial assessment should include a review of the home to determine if any changes need to be made to improve safety and prevent problems. Agency personnel may recommend picking up loose rugs, equipment like a shower chair and mobility aids such as walkers.
- High Standards: When it comes to inviting a caregiver into your parent’s home, you want to make sure that the agency you choose applies the highest of standards. Learn the difference between companion aides and trained CNA’s (Certified Nursing Assistants). Find out if your agency conducts rigorous background and drug checks. Some agencies provide specialized services for clients with Alzheimer’s disease and continuing education for their staff.
- A Culture of Caring: You will want to hire an in-home caregiving agency with a culture of caring and responsive staff that appreciates the needs of each and every individual in their care. Experience helps, but in addition, you want to feel that your loved ones are respected and that their emotional needs are met by friendly and competent caregivers.
- Custom Care Plans: Make sure that the in-home caregiving agency you choose understands that every client is different, each with a unique set of needs and preferences. Taking the time to get to know your loved one is important so that the care plan is custom designed in terms of services required to fill the need with special attention to your budget. The right caregiver can be matched to the client based on the initial consultation.
Some in-home caregiving agencies go the extra mile by providing a free nurse consultation so you can determine the needs of your loved one and learn about which services are appropriate. Agencies with a flat rate structure have the advantage over those that may start you off at a particular level, and then increase the fee down the road.
Home Helpers of South Shore
Home Helpers of South Shore is an in-home healthcare agency owned and operated by a compassionate health professional with a strong understanding of the needs of aging seniors.
The staff at Home Helpers conducts both scheduled and random Quality Assurance Visits to make sure the caregivers are following the Care Plan. They also do a Quality Assurance Check-In with clients and their caregivers for a personal, hands-on approach to caregiving that provides the best possible home care. Contact Home Helpers to help develop an individualized care plan to benefit your aging loved one.
We serve the following communities:
Abington, Braintree, Brockton, Buzzards Bay, Carver, Cohasset, Dighton, Duxbury, Falmouth, Halifax, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Humarock, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Mashpee, Middleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Sandwich, Scituate, Taunton, Wareham, Weymouth, Whitman
