How to Find the Perfect Caregiver for Your Loved One
Knowing what to look for when choosing the right caregiver is essential in making sure seniors in Annapolis, MD receive the in-home care they need
Choosing the right care provider for your loved one is not an easy task, especially if you don't know what it takes to find the right fit. Luckily, with our Select Your Caregiver program matching your aging parent with a suitable care professional has never been easier. At Visiting Angels Annapolis, we have been matching clients with qualified, experienced, trained and compassionate home care specialists for many years.
What to Look for in a Professional Caregiver
If you are not sure what to look for in a care provider, here are three qualities you should focus on.
1. Caregiving Skills and Experience
Do you know what type of care your loved one needs? Before you start looking for a care provider, learn about different types of home care services agencies provide. Some seniors only require companion care which provides clients with a helping hand for everyday tasks. Others, due to their physical and cognitive disabilities, need specialized care services.
If your parent only needs some assistance with everyday activities such as meal preparation, shopping or housekeeping, hiring a companion care provider will ensure all their needs are met. However, if they need assistance where physical contact between them and the care provider is required, then you will need to hire a senior care provider with specialized skills and experience.
Before you arrange a meeting with home care agencies, sit down and create a list of tasks your loved one will need from their care provider. In addition, learn more about which types of home care experts provide which types of services. When you meet with potential caregivers, go over that list and see whether they provide each of the services your loved one needs. Make sure that the person you hire has training and experience providing these services and is adequately licensed.
2. Personality
One thing that is more important than a care provider's skill set is their personality. When searching for the right home care professional, keep in mind that your loved one needs to feel completely comfortable around them. If your parent is unable to trust their personal care assistant, high-quality care simply won't be possible.
3. Availability and Scheduling
Your loved one is set in their day-to-day routines and it is important that they are maintained as much as possible when scheduling home care visits. If your parent is a night owl, scheduling early morning visits could be disruptive. However, even though availability is important in a home care provider, sometimes you will need to make compromises for the perfect care provider. If you've found a professional with the perfect skill set and personality, making changes in your loved one's routine is something worth considering.
If you are looking for a qualified in-home caregiver in your area, contact our Millersville, MD office.
Visiting Angels Annapolis is the leading senior care provider for families in Millersville, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Arnold, Pasadena and surrounding Maryland communities.