Tag Archives: in-home caregiver

5 Simple Ways to Assess Caregiving Needs

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Do you have a family member or friend who may need help? Are you struggling with the decision to hire a caregiver or perhaps give of your time to help? Whether  caring for someone now or considering a hired caregiver, here are important questions to consider. Even if you are already the primary caregiver, it is very important for you to take time to assess needs; they change periodically.

Here are 5 areas to evaluate to determine current needs; especially to identify long-term caregiving issues you may face.

#1 Are there signs of dementia or Alzheimers? Can the person make or receive calls without aide? When left alone, will they make safe decisions if a stranger comes to the door? These issues will certainly help determine whether long-term or short-term care is needed.

#2 Will this person consistently take medicines at the proper time? If so, is someone available to fix them at the beginning of the week? You cannot simply depend upon what you are told, watch for daily behavioral changes, check their medicines when possible.

#3 What about the nutrition needs of the individual? Can they cook meals; will they eat at the appropriate times? Could Meals on Wheels be an alternative or is an in-home caregiver needed during the daytime? Does someone simply need to clean the refrigerator once a week and put in fresh foods?

#4 Are there signs of hygiene needs when you visit? Can the person take care of bathing and other personal needs or does someone need to assist? Has their mobility declined in such a way that falling may be an issue.

#5 Probably the most obvious and most often overlooked is the question of how much time is needed to meet the needs. Be sure to carefully consider this issue before hiring someone or before you commit to help. Even small tasks that require daily attention can be overwhelming after awhile. Do you have time? Do you have others to call upon for help?

I have found the simplest solutions can be overlooked in our busy-ness if we do not take time occasionally to re-evaluate our situation.

My book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD is filled with help and hope for those caring for others of all ages; autographed copies now available through this website.

Hugs,

Hired Caregiver Caring for Someone In the Home

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My experiences with hired caregivers have taught me a lot about individuals. There is a vast difference between a caregiver who is there for the paycheck or one who is there for the love of people-if you are hiring, choose the latter. Those who have a genuine love and concern for others will be careful to tend to the little things that make confinement more bearable. You evidently are one with a love for people because you are taking time to learn and grow.

Perhaps you have been a caregiver for years in a nursing home, hospital or other facility and now you will care for someone in their home. The atmosphere in a home is certainly much different and your needs will not be the same. One responsibility for you is to determine responsibilities of each occupant of the home as they pertain to you and your patient.

In a care facility, you are surrounded by others who are familiar with what you will be doing. The medical equipment and medical supplies you will need are readily available. The chairs and beds and other needed items are provided to make care easier for you and the patient. When you ask a question, usually someone is there to provide an answer or tell you where to find it.

Entering a private residence-whether friends, relatives, or strangers-presents a whole new set of challenges to deal with. Will others be in the home while you are there? What is their relationship to the patient? Can they advise you if a question comes up? Are you to answer the phone or the door?

Sign up today for my newsletter and a free “Eight Basic Tips for Caregivers” will be sent immediately. Soon you will receive the next edition of my newsletter with “Tips on Caring for Someone in a Private Residence”. Whether you are a caregiver or looking to hire one, I can help you make this transition easier and save much turmoil and stress.

Hugs,