When it comes to home health care, not every senior citizen is onboard at the onset.They may be unsure of having a stranger stay in their home, and not entirely excited with the intrusion of a registered nurse or home health aide.
Thus, one of the best ways to ensure that your loved one feels comfortable is to instill a sense of connection to their caregiver. If you are trying to connect your loved one to the perfect home health aide, here are a few tips and tricks!
Involve Your Loved One From the Onset
When it comes to all things home health care, it’s imperative that you involve your senior citizen from the get go. This is a decision that will decide their future and day-to-day life, they deserve to be involved in the structuring of their own fate!
Ask your loved one to offer their input on the agencies that you are exploring. If you are looking into individual contractors, show your loved one any relevant resumes. Ask their opinion, and make certain to practice active listening when they speak. This inclusion may seem somewhat tedious, but the groundwork you lay now will create a much smoother transition later!
Set Up A “First Date”
Once you have your candidates, it’s time to set up a first date! This is simply a trial period where your loved one can work with the potential caregiver. It helps to supervise these test runs, as you can note the intricacies of their budding relationship. Make certain to note the details: does your elder communicate well with this person? Have they established a successful rapport? Can they work together to successfully administer care? Your goal is to look beyond the core competencies of the job, and make certain that your loved one is truly cared for.
Once you’ve noted your observations, it helps to check in with your elder. Ask your loved one how they feel during this trial run. Let them speak first, before you share your opinion, so as not to sway them. If they find themselves actively connecting with the caregiver, then you have found a match!
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Picky
A home health aide is a huge part of your loved ones life. They will be watching them for a significant amount of time, ensuring that they take their medication, bathing them, and a whole myriad of intimate duties. Thus, with this in mind, don’t be afraid to be picky. At the end of the day, you want to find someone who you (and your loved one) wholeheartedly connect with!
