Caring for Home Caregivers: Fight the Guilt When Hiring Help

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Being the primary caregiver for an elderly loved one is a noble and emotional experience that can be very rewarding. It can also be exhausting and, oftentimes, family members feel guilty hiring an in-home caregiver to lighten the load. With Granny NANNIES, hiring professional Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) can be a win-win decision for both seniors and their loved ones. Granny NANNIES can help alleviate the burden on the family and friends acting as non-professional caregivers while still benefiting the elderly loved one in the following ways:

Companionship

When requests for companionship and conversation are complicated by busy schedules, either knowingly or unknowingly, seniors can make their loved ones feel guilty. It’s important to know that there are real limits to what you can do from afar, whether that be down the street or across the state, and that it’s okay to ask others to step in.

Granny NANNIES only refers caregivers that display the kindness and compassion needed to care for others. That same humanity carries into their ability to offer companionship services. Professional companion caregivers will prevent seniors from spending day after day alone, sharpen their social interaction skills and keep them in good spirits. This is especially helpful for seniors at risk or currently suffering from depression or social isolation. (Read more about how to combat social isolation among the elderly here.)

Personal Care Services

Performing personal care tasks for an aging friend or family member can be stressful. From bathing, toileting and dressing to taking blood pressure, it can be reassuring for both the senior and loved one to have a trained and qualified professional execute those responsibilities. The CNAs and HHAs can also monitor pre-existing conditions, report to doctors and be watchful for symptoms or illnesses. This will provide peace of mind and ease any burdens associated with completing medical assessments.

Respite Care

From light housekeeping to overnight supervision, respite care allows primary caregivers short- term assistance. By utilizing assistance with some of the most fundamental tasks from a professional caregiver, primary caregivers are able to care for their loved ones while maintaining their own lives. A respite care program is tailored to fit the primary caregivers schedule, helping promote balance and the most compassionate care. This can take the strain off of loved ones, allowing seniors to enjoy them at their best, while also interacting with different people from day- to-day.

Also consider the hidden costs of home caregiving, common home health care misconceptions, when’s the right time to hire help and how to get started.

Granny NANNIES specializes in providing services to seniors and their loved ones. Whether at home or in a hospital, assisted living facility or nursing home, Granny NANNIES is dedicated to ensuring that clients are consistently treated with the highest level of respect and dignity. Founded in 1990, Granny NANNIES’ commitment to excellence remains true today, matching everyone with the right private duty caregiver for them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on how we can help you, call 800-316-2669.