| As America's "baby boomer" generation enters | | | | Both you and your parent should actively |
| the second half of their lives, we face some | | | | participate in the hiring process. Your loved one |
| heartbreaking choices as to how best to care for | | | | may have strong preferences about the type of |
| our aging parents. Many families are already | | | | person he or she wants to hire. Make sure that |
| struggling to cope with these issues, as they are | | | | these preferences are clearly expressed in writing. |
| caring for their elderly parents while raising their | | | | For example, your parent may prefer one gender |
| own children who are still living at home. Stretched | | | | over the other, cultural similarities, a non-smoker, |
| to the limit of their physical and personal | | | | and so on. You may also want to make note of |
| resources, these families must face the realization | | | | what type of cooking, shopping and housekeeping |
| that it is time to hire an in-home health care | | | | routines you prefer. |
| provider. If you are at a loss as to where to | | | | Get all the info: Most agencies and private pay |
| begin, below are some tips that will help you to | | | | companies run background checks on their care |
| evaluate your needs, as well as those of your | | | | workers; however, get all the information that is |
| loved ones, and to make decisions that will give | | | | available about the person who will have full |
| everyone peace of mind. | | | | access to your loved ones and their home. Be as |
| First, decide whether you want to hire a caregiver | | | | thorough as you would be for child care. |
| from a state agency or private agency. Usually, a | | | | Check in on occasion. By checking in on your |
| state agency is funded by the state in which it | | | | loved ones, you are letting the care providers |
| operates, and is considered to be a state | | | | know they are being supervised. While you may |
| subcontractor. A private agency is just as it | | | | adore the young lady or gentleman who is caring |
| sounds. It is independently owned and operated, | | | | for your elderly mother, you may not know who |
| and its clients are called private pay clients. There | | | | or what is being brought into the house during |
| are advantages and disadvantages to each. A | | | | your absence. |
| caregiver from a government agency is subject | | | | Recognize the signs of abuse: Isolation from |
| to hiring practices that are standardized. | | | | family and friends is one of the first signs of |
| Accountability and administrative procedures are | | | | abuse. If you are not allowed unfettered access |
| taken care of at the agency. Private pay | | | | to your family member, or you believe excuses |
| companies are often staffed by a small group of | | | | are being made for your parent's absence or lack |
| hourly workers. They have their own | | | | of availability via phone or in person, be sure to |
| accountability standards, as with any sole | | | | look closely at the situation. |
| proprietorship. The option you choose may | | | | Call for backup: Know what options are available |
| depend upon your financial situation. Private pay | | | | for last-minute services should a care provider |
| service is usually much more expensive. | | | | become unavailable. Have backup options ready. |
| Get it in writing: Assess the needs of both the | | | | Even caregivers need to call in sick on occasion. |
| family caregiver and the person for whom care | | | | Reevaluate regularly: As health requirements and |
| will be provided. Use a worksheet to create a | | | | personal preferences change, so must the |
| "contract for services," so that it is clear exactly | | | | services provided. Establish a pre-set date for |
| what is expected of the care provider. | | | | periodic review of the personal services contract. |
| Generally, caregivers provide four categories of | | | | This allows for maximum flexibility and will give |
| services (think of the acronym H.E.L.P.): Health | | | | you the breathing room you need to modify or |
| Care Services, Emotional Care, Living | | | | amend the contract, if changes are warranted. |
| Independently, and Personal Care Services. Health | | | | Finally, be sure to express your gratitude. You are |
| care services can include managing medical | | | | hiring a care provider because you either cannot |
| appointments, medications, and physical therapy. | | | | or will not take up this immense task. The person |
| Emotional care consists of meaningful social | | | | taking care of your parent's needs is giving the |
| activities, hobbies, a creative outlet or simply | | | | greatest gift they could give. Theirs is a noble |
| companionship. Living independently can require | | | | profession, one that requires compassion and |
| that the caregiver run errands, fulfill transportation | | | | infinite patience. Be certain that you acknowledge |
| needs, go shopping, cook, clean and performs | | | | their efforts and show your appreciation for a job |
| other household chores. Personal care services | | | | well done. |
| can include bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. | | | | Copyright 2005 All rights reserved. |