Sharing Responsibilities with a Professional Caregiver

When you are the primary caregiver for an aging parent, bringing in outside help can be a welcomed relief. However, it can also be a big adjustment for both you and your loved one.

Many family caregivers feel an unexpected sense of loss when a professional steps in. These feelings can resurface when your loved one faces additional age-related decline—or your own family or work situation changes.

But working with a team like Visiting Angels is not an all-or-nothing contract. You can decide how much you hand off to a professional caregiver, what tasks, and when. That way, you can have confidence your loved one’s needs are met in the way you both desire—and that you can continue managing the caregiving aspects you love, with less stress and worry.

Talk About What Brings You Joy

As you work with a home care coordinator, you might be surprised at some of the questions they may ask—and you might be surprised by your answers. What brings you and your senior joy in your relationship? Are there caregiving responsibilities that make you feel needed or give you a strong sense of satisfaction?

For example, your family might enjoy planning meals, grocery shopping, and cooking together. While a professional caregiver can help with these duties, you may not want to give up these enjoyable routines.

Or perhaps your parent feels strongly about maintaining their independence in housekeeping skills. A professional caregiver can lend a hand as needed or serve as a companion while your parent tidies up.

Define Roles and Responsibilities Up Front

Miscommunication is typically the root of caregiving concerns. Your senior’s home care plan will cover exactly what you want, and there may be unexpected overlap of care duties.

For example, let’s say your mother has recurring appointments to get her hair done. When you arrive to pick her up, her caregiver has already washed and styled her hair. Or perhaps you feel a daily shower is important, but your loved one is having difficulty finding the motivation. If your caregiver knows you typically stop by during your lunch hour, they can help your senior bathe and dress before you arrive so it doesn’t interrupt your visit.

Professional caregivers can take on personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and light housekeeping so family members can enjoy more relaxed activities with their loved one. Before the first visit—and as you grow accustomed to working with a professional caregiver—talk about the activities you want to manage versus the ones you prefer to hand over. Your local Visiting Angels office can work with you to provide the services that make sense for your time and budget.

Keep Communication Flowing

Visiting Angels caregivers know every senior and every family has different needs and preferences. Our care plans are fully customized and flexible. Your local office can adjust or update the care schedule or duties as needed.

We are passionate about providing the right care for every senior and helping families avoid caregiver burnout. Your health and well-being matter—let a professional lend a helping hand so you can enjoy precious time with your loved one.