According to recent surveys, nearly 77% of adults over 50 want to age in place, remaining in their homes, surrounded by a supportive community, and doing things they love. While there is nothing wrong with it, availing external support is critical.
Home care allows individuals to stay in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the support they need, but not all providers are the same. With so many options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
We’re here to help. Here are some tips you can follow to find the right home care provider for your needs:
Consider Your Needs
First things first, assess your care needs. Common types include:
Physical and mobility support – help with bathing, walking, getting up, dressing, or eating
Medical needs – assistance with medication administration, wound care, or physical therapy
Social needs – companionship to talk to or attend social events with
Reputable home care services offer support through numerous ways, such as:
- Cleaning and laundry
- Personal hygiene support
- Nutrition and meal management
- Transportation
- Nursing
- Shopping and errands
And that’s not all. You can even find care packages for home maintenance, such as gardening. Aged care gardening services can include:
- Lifting, moving, or organising heavy household items
- Mowing lawns, raking leaves, and weeding
- Gutter clearing and basic outdoor maintenance
- Light repairs and maintenance tasks
Check Experience and Specialisation
When looking for a home care provider, it’s important to look beyond general services and consider their specific experience and areas of specialisation.
If you’re hiring a caregiver through a support agency, share your specific conditions and ask them to connect you with a provider who has experience with them. Specialised care providers are trained to follow tailored routines and safety measures to improve your quality of life.
Assess Credentials and Reputation
Once you’ve shortlisted some care agencies or providers, thoroughly confirm their credentials. Make sure the in-home care platform complies with regulatory bodies.
You can also assess the reputation of a platform by reading reviews. Moreover, ask the provider for references from their previous clients. You can get firsthand accounts of the caregiver’s behaviour and even ask specific questions.
Ask the Right Questions
Speaking of questions, interviewing potential caregivers doesn’t help if you don’t know what to ask.
Here are some important questions you should ask:
- Are you certified in CPR or first aid?
- What type of training have you received?
- Are you certified in CPR or first aid?
- What type of training have you received?
- Are you available for long-term care?
- Are you available for long-term care?
- Do you have reliable transportation?
- Do you have reliable transportation?
It might seem unnecessary, but going into the nitty-gritty of things can save you from a lot of headaches in the future. Choose a provider that has great communication skills.
Review costs and Insurance Coverage
The cost of home care varies, depending on the type of care needed, duration, and any special needs. Reach out to various providers and compare their costs. Don’t forget to consider your insurance plan to avoid any financial surprises later on.
