Tips for Successfully Transitioning to Home Care

Transitioning to home care for your loved one can be a difficult task. It is likely that your loved one is experiencing a great deal of frustration and sadness caused by the loss of their independence. If a member of your family has attempted to be a full-time caregiver, there may also be guilt associated with this transition because they are unable to provide the level of care that their loved one needs at this time.

Please know that all of these feelings are completely normal and transitioning to home health care is an adjustment for everyone involved. However, having an open conversation among your family can help ease the pain.

Here are a few things that we recommend discussing in order to find the right home care provider for your loved one:

Determine the level of care that you need
Home care is far from a one-size-fits-all solution. Every situation is different and you have the ability to customize care so that your loved one gets exactly the support that they need. You’ll need to consider aspects like:

• How often will you need your caregiver to visit?
• What type of help does your loved one need?
• Does your loved one have any medical conditions that require additional care?

Talk about caregiver preferences
Your loved one’s new caregiver will have a significant role in their life, so it’s important that they feel comfortable with whoever will be caring for them in their home. Some seniors may feel more comfortable with a caregiver that is the same gender as them or has some shared interests so they have something to talk about as the relationship begins. Be sure to share these preferences with home care providers so they can match your loved one with a caregiver that will make them feel most comfortable.

It is natural for these conversations to be stressful, so don’t feel like you need to iron everything out in one sitting. By breaking the conversation into smaller chunks you will relieve a lot of anxiety surrounding home care and can tackle it one step at a time.

When you feel comfortable that you know exactly what you’re looking for, it’s time to start interviewing home care providers. At Comforting Home Care, we will match you with a caregiver that will fulfill your needs and become an extended member of your family. Contact us to learn more about our home care options today!