VISITING ANGELS FT WORTH, TX 817-877-1616
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How to Foster a Relationship Between Your Aging Parents and Their Caregivers

How to Foster a Relationship Between Your Aging Parents and Their Caregivers

As more and more seniors are opting to age in place, families are turning to home care to help support their aging parents or relatives. Professional home care companies, such as Visiting Angels Fort Worth, exist to provide older adults with the assistance they need to remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes. Not only do professional caregivers enhance the quality of life for seniors, but they also give respite to family caregivers. Many seniors using professional home care services find that their caregiver has become an extension of their family. 

However, it takes time for that rapport to build between the client and the caregiver. Some seniors can be uncertain about opening up to a new face. Others may have reservations about bringing a stranger into their home to assist with intimate tasks, such as bathing or using the toilet. 

Fortunately, family members can help their aging parents or relatives develop a companionship with their caregiver. If you’re new to home care or are thinking about starting home care services for your aging loved one, here are four ways you can foster a relationship between your aging parents and their caregiver. 

Keep Communication Open 

Communication is very important in all relationships, including the relationship between your aging parents and their caregiver. Family members can help foster this client/caregiver partnership through communication. Tell the professional caregiver about your loved one’s interests and hobbies. Let them know their preferred routine, likes, and dislikes. Keep them in the loop about any changes in your loved one's schedule or health. The more you can initially share with your parent's caregiver, the more they have to work with, to build rapport. Remember, it’s always best to over-communicate. 

Create a Hobby Basket 

Foster a relationship between your parents and their caregiver by creating a hobby basket that they can explore together. Include leisure activities that your parents or relatives enjoy, such as games, puzzles, crafts, or favorite books. If your parents like to cook, include their favorite cookbook and purchase the necessary ingredients so they can cook or bake with their caregiver. Leave family photo albums accessible so the caregiver can reminisce and learn about your loved one’s life. Part of the role of a professional caregiver is to form a companionship with their client. Engaging in leisure pursuits gives both parties a purpose during their time together and can help to deepen that client/caregiver relationship. 

Give Them Space

Another way family members can foster a relationship between their parents and their caregivers is to give them space to develop a relationship. It can be very tempting for family members to swing by while the caregiver is present. However, your presence can hinder the client/caregiver relationship. Your parents may focus all their attention on your visit, instead of engaging with their caregiver. You may unintentionally step in to complete tasks instead of allowing the caregiver to get to know your loved one’s preferences and routine. 

Avoid Negative Talk 

Finally, help your parents foster a relationship with their caregivers by avoiding negative talk. This is especially important if you have parents or relatives that are difficult to please. Family members should steer the conversation about their loved one’s caregiver towards the positive aspects. Talk about meaningful moments your loved one had with their caregiver. Remind your parents to keep an open mind and to look on the bright side. Ask them to give their caregiver a chance to fall into a routine. Remember, reputable home care companies place a well-matched caregiver with each new client and continue to monitor caregivers over time. 

If you’re looking for a professional home care company to assist your aging parents or relatives at home, look no further than Visiting Angels Fort Worth. We are one of the most trusted resources for elderly care services. Our professional caregivers possess the character traits that we would want to see in someone caring for our loved ones. Many families in Fort Worth TX and the surrounding areas have chosen us for the superior level of elderly care services we provide and our commitment to providing that care with dignity and respect. To find out what elderly care services Visiting Angels can provide for your loved one, please contact us today by calling 817-877-1616. 

Serving Fort Worth and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FT WORTH, TX
930 W 1st St # 203
Ft Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-877-1616
Fax: 817-334-7994

Serving Fort Worth and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FT WORTH, TX
930 W 1st St # 203
Ft Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-877-1616
Fax: 817-334-7994