How to Set New Senior Caregivers Up for Success

Forming a bond with someone takes time, and that’s especially true when your senior loved one has a new caregiver. If your family member hasn’t been cared for by someone outside of the family, they may be resistant to accepting the new person into their life. However, there are certain steps you can take to facilitate a positive and trusting relationship between the two people. 

Make Decisions About Their Care Plan

Before contacting a home care agency, the entire family should discuss what care plan makes sense for the senior. How often do they require help? What tasks do they need assistance with? Be sure your loved one is included in the decision making. They will be spending the most time with the caregiver, and deserve to have opinions heard about their care. 

From there, you can get in touch with an agency, like Visiting Angels, to set up an initial consultation. This meeting gives the entire family the opportunity to share your loved one’s needs, ask questions, and figure out the best plan of care. 

Selecting a Caregiver 

Most home care agencies will assign your senior loved one to a caregiver whose background and personality align well with their own. For instance, for an elderly person with dementia, you’ll want to make sure the caregiver has experience with this area. 

When you meet the caregiver, take time to ask them questions about their personality, background, and availability to ensure they’re a good fit for your family member. 

Getting Started with Care

• Once the caregiver is hired, set up a meeting between them and your senior loved one. Give the two space to chat and get to know one another. It may take time for the senior to warm up to the caregiver, so give the process time. 
• Be clear about expectations. Everyone involved in the elderly person’s care will have a role to play. 
• Family members should communicate regularly with the caregiver to ensure care goes smoothly. The needs of an elderly person change, so the person tending to them should always be kept up-to-date on their condition and any health issues. 
• Have check-ins with your parent or relative about how things are going with their caregiver. Do they feel that they’re receiving the help they need? There is nothing wrong with contacting the agency to find a different caregiver if things aren’t working out between them. 

Visiting Angels Beaver Can Help

If you’re considering hiring a caregiver for your senior loved one in the Beaver area, Visiting Angels can help. Our personalized in-home care services make a huge difference in the quality of life of your elderly relative. Our caregivers are experienced and come with impeccable qualifications. We make sure to match our clients with a caregiver whose interests and background match well with theirs. Our goal is that you and your senior loved one feel confident that Visiting Angels Beaver is providing the highest level of care.

For more information or to set up a free, no cost consultation with one of our care coordinators, fill out our contact form or give us a call today at 412-366-4860.