As your parents get older, the time may come where they need someone to look after them. Age-related illnesses such as dementia can often lead to complications that require round the clock care. It’s normal to want the best possible care for your mother or father, and there are lots of things to take into consideration. You’ll need to take your parent’s needs into account. Plus, there are family obligations and finances that will also affect your decision.
You’ll also want to make sure that the caregiver you choose is trustworthy and has experience in dealing with elderly patients. You’ll also need to know the level of care they provide and if they can continue to care for your parent should their condition worsen. This guide will detail what you should look for when choosing a caregiver for your parent.
Their Credentials, Experience, and Background
It’s important to be able to trust any caregiver you hire as they’ll be almost entirely responsible for your parent’s health and wellbeing. If you want your parent to be as comfortable as possible, you’ll want to hire someone with lots of experience and good credentials. If you’re unsure about your caregiver’s experience, it’s worth running a background check on them. Using a checking tool such as Checkpeople.com will reveal employment and education history. Background checks will also reveal any criminal history, which might make them an unsuitable caregiver. Remember that this is someone who you’ll trust with your parent’s safety. So you’ll want to choose someone with a good, clean record. If you’re choosing to put your parent in a care facility, you can also check reviews of the service and see if it would be suitable for them. Checking references is also an option, and a background check will also be able to verify the authenticity of any references.
How Much Time and Availability Do They Have?
Depending on your parent’s needs, you may require a caregiver who is available for round-the-clock care. Make sure you choose someone who can be available at the times you need them. If not, is their schedule flexible enough for you to work around it. If not, what other suitable arrangements are possible. Think about whether you need a fulltime carer and whether they’ll need to live with your parent or can travel each day. You may only need a part-time carer, which gives more room to work around. But consider that some conditions may worsen over time, so these needs can change. Identify possible alternatives that can provide cover should your carer fall sick or are unable to come in.
What Level of Care Your Parent Needs and Whether the Caregiver Can Provide it
Your parent may require specialized care if they have a specific condition or illness. Make sure to check that your candidates understand the needs and requirements of your parent. Ideally, you should look for a caregiver who can provide specialized care for the condition your parent has. These caregivers will be much more experienced and generally give a higher level of care. Be aware of any changes to your parent’s health and keep up to date with their condition. As their condition changes, you may need to find more suitable care. If your parent is in a care facility, check that the building is adequately fitted, particularly if your parent has mobility issues. If you’re unsure about the caregiver’s experience, you can also perform a background check to determine their employment history.
The Financial Costs of the Care
Care can be expensive, particularly if you need to hire a live-in carer. You’ll want to balance the cost of care with the wellbeing of your parent. It’s hard to put a price on their health and happiness, but making sure that they’re in good hands is paramount. Talk to your parent about their finances and whether they can support the costs of the care. If not, you may need to discuss the matter with your siblings or any other family members who may be able to help. If your parent isn’t able to give you any details on their financial situation, you can speak to their lawyer and find out if there are any plans in place for care costs.
Family Support
If you have siblings or other family members, making sure that they have an input on the choice of caregiver is important. Some of your family members may have different ideas on how best to take care of your parent. However, you’ll want to make sure that everyone agrees on the best way to support your parent’s wellbeing. You may also be able to share the costs and responsibilities of the care. Ensure that everyone in the family is aware of your parent’s condition. Try to keep communication with them open to inform them should their health deteriorate.
