Choosing a Caregiver for an Elderly Loved One in El Cajon: Tips for Making This Very Personal Decision
A caregiver is someone who will spend hours with your loved one. It is important that your loved one is compatible and feels comfortable with the caregiver, which makes this a very personal decision. There are many factors to consider when your loved one's care is on the line. By following our tips at Visiting Angels® El Cajon, you will be able to choose a great caregiver for your elderly loved one.
Our Tips for Choosing a Caregiver for an Elderly Loved One
Finding a compatible caregiver may seem tricky, but by keeping these tips in mind, the selection process will be easier. Here are our top five tips for choosing a trustworthy caregiver:
- Ask the agency how they match caregivers with patients. Does the agency take care to ensure your loved one is happy and comfortable with their caregiver? What steps do they take if the relationship does not work out?
- Meet with the caregiver FIRST. Meeting with the caregiver prior to hiring them on can be a great benefit and comfort to your loved one. An initial consultation can be a way to gauge the compatibility between the two as well.
- Make sure the caregiver can provide all necessary services. By speaking with your loved one's doctor, you probably have a good idea of what types of care they need. Be sure to check with the caregiver or their agency and ensure that all necessary services can be provided.
- Ensure that the caregiver can meet your schedule. Provided your loved one needs part-time care, be sure that the caregiver can meet the required hours. Whether it is morning or afternoon, the agency should be able to provide someone who can be there during that time.
- Make sure the caregiver is properly trained. This should fall on the agency. Ask them if they pre-screen their caregivers to ensure their experience and education.
Get Started with Visiting Angels El Cajon
At Visiting Angels El Cajon, we take extensive care to match your loved one with a compatible caregiver. We start by hiring experienced caregivers who have been fully vetted with our screening program. We also work closely with you and your loved one, listening to their personality traits, preferences, and interests to find a caregiver who is suitable to their needs. We want to ensure that each of our clients receives quality care in the most comfortable way.
To learn more about choosing a caregiver for your elderly loved one, contact Visiting Angels El Cajon today. We are a locally owned senior home care agency serving families in East and South San Diego County.