By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
Mary Ellen is taking a big exhale as her 90-year-old mother, who lives alone, has finally agreed to allow a caregiver into her home. This has been an ongoing conversation with her mom for over a year.
Mrs. Smith lives in a condo and has some medical challenges, including changes in her mobility. She is very determined that she does not need any help and has been very adamant about it. But over the past couple of months, Mrs. Smith’s eating habits have changed. She rarely prepares a meal for herself and often will skip eating altogether unless Mary Ellen brings over meals. Mary Ellen works full time, lives about 25 minutes from her mom, and tries to stop by at least every other day. More support is needed, and Mary Ellen is so relieved that her mother has finally agreed to give it a try. Now, it’s important to ensure this is a positive, successful experience!
There are several tips we can offer to foster a successful caregiver experience for both the caregiver and the care recipient. Whether you are using a caregiving agency or hiring privately, taking the time to follow a few of these tips is one way to help increase a successful relationship. These tips can apply if you are hiring for yourself or for a loved one:
- Take time to meet and talk with the actual caregiver prior to their first day on the job. Learn about the caregiver, their experience, background and limitations. Many times, caregiving agencies will send a coordinator or admissions person to do the “meet the greet” and paperwork, not the actual caregiver.
- Establish expectations from the start. Outline the tasks and duties, write them down and review them with the caregiver. Giving the caregiver tools and resources will help them feel comfortable, confident, and clear about what they are to be doing.
- Share significant information about the care recipient, such as: what does the care recipient like to be called, what are their interests, activities, preferences, likes and dislikes? Review the care recipient’s typical routine during the time the caregiver will be present. What are the goals during this time, are there things the caregiver can build upon, try to change, or maintain…?
- List current medications. If the caregiver is to participate in any part of the medications, then detailed information should be outlined in writing so they can reference pertinent information.
- Provide emergency contact information, including who to contact for non-emergency questions and concerns.
- Establish communication expectations, including how, when, and with whom is the best way to communicate. A simple daily log, a checklist, a caregiver app, email or text could be used. The important thing is to capture information from the caregiver’s experience. This will help provide accountability, consistency, identify patterns, changes and concerns.
Caregiving is a highly skilled position that not only requires and deserves adequate pay and benefits, but also proper training and tools for the caregiver. If you hope to create a successful caregiving situation, it is worth taking the time to invest in your caregiver to ensure they are trained and prepared for the job.
Original Article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogs/ensure-a-successful-caregiving-experience-for-all-involved/