If you have an elderly loved one increasingly having difficulties performing their day-to-day tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or looking after their hygiene, then it may be time to think about acquiring care for them at home. But finding the right caregiver is only the tip of the iceberg; you have other important things to consider as well. So what do you have to think about? Here’s what you need to know before hiring a live in caregiver for your loved one.
Is the Caregiver of the Right Training and Temperament?
When you are looking at different caregivers, be it independent caregivers or those associated with an agency, you have to consider whether they have received the proper training – and if they have the right temperament as well. When it comes to training, the caregiver needs to have undergone at least basic caregiver training and is qualified to perform particular tasks. Think about what your loved one needs. Do they need someone to help them with their hygiene requirements and medication, or do they simply need someone to assist them with cooking and light cleaning and do various errands for them? If your loved one has more complex needs, you have to make sure the caregiver has the right training for this. And in most cases, live in care agencies are the ones that are more likely to provide the proper training rather than independent caregivers.
The caregiver’s temperament is also one other factor to consider. Are they of a cheerful disposition, and do they exhibit optimism? If they appear sullen or temperamental, then they might not have the patience to care for your loved one – and this is very important.
The Cost
Granted, the cost of a live in carer is often more affordable than an actual residential home. As a matter of fact, you will probably have to pay double for your loved one to stay in a residential home or centre compared to having them stay at home with their own carer. But you still have to incorporate these costs into your budget and make sure your loved one has enough left over for their other needs, such as medication, food, and the like.
The Caregiver’s Comfort
Of course, you also have to think about the comfort of the carer. Most live in carers would require their own room, so you have to prepare for this. In addition, you have to make sure the carer is comfortable enough by providing them with certain necessities and creature comforts.
Aside from this, the caregiver will require breaks every day, and will also require breaks for holidays and the like. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem, however, because many live in care agencies provide for an alternate or substitute to cover for the main caregiver when they go on break or holiday.