How to Get Started with Home Health Care

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Whether you’re across the country or just down the road from your loved one, helping keep them safe in their home is a high priority. For most, however, the idea of bringing in outside help can be upsetting. Below are some common tips you should try with your loved one to help alleviate the impact of introducing a trained caregiver.

Start Slow

Try hiring the caregiver for light housekeeping, laundry, cooking and running errands, at first. This will help taper the stigma that the caregiver is there to chaperone them. Once you or your loved one are comfortable with their presence and appreciate their current level of service, you can begin to introduce other services.

Highlight the Positives

It may take you or your loved one some time to come to terms with needing extra help. It is possible to make the situation advantageous, though! Explain that they’ll gain independence. If they were once house-ridden or dependent on family or friends for rides, a caregiver can now provide them with those services. They can have reliable transportation at their fingertips, whether it be for social outings and shopping trips or doctors visits and errands.

Identify Needs

Survey how a caregiver can help. Your loved one may find the idea of a helping hand for dishes and laundry appealing, while you are attracted to the idea of having a trained medical professional there to provide any necessary services. The needs of you and your loved one can be heavily care-based or have very few healthcare components, whichever suits your objectives. Support may include:

  • Remaining healthy and active
  • Staying involved with friends and community groups
  • Maintaining hobbies
  • Keeping up with medication schedules
  • Being available and able to attend doctors appointments
  • Minimizing slips and falls
  • Cooking healthy meals
  • Providing bathing assistance
  • Assisting with stress relief
  • Transitioning out of hospital care
  • Monitoring reactions to new medications
  • Checking for waning or worsening symptoms
  • Watering plants
  • Tending to unopened mail

Prepare your Information

When you agree to hire a caregiver for your loved one, it is best to provide them with any information they could need regarding the safety of your loved one. This helpful file should be comprised of:

  • Illnesses, injuries, allergies or health conditions
  • Medication schedules and doses
  • Necessary aids such as glasses, canes/walkers, etc.
  • Exercises as prescribed by their healthcare professionals
  • General likes and dislikes

Breathe a Sigh of Relief

You and your loved one are in good hands. Founded in 1990, Granny NANNIES maintains a commitment to excellence and a strong dedication to treating clients with the highest level of respect and dignity. Granny NANNIES offers home health care services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or as needed, for all ages and levels of care. For more information on quality, trustworthy, reliable and affordable care, call 800-316-2669.