How to Find In-Home Care You Can Trust

Author

FirstLight Home Care

Posted on

Sep 02, 2021

Book/Edition

Nebraska - Eastern Region

share-this
Share This
Is a loved one having trouble with dressing, bathing or mobility on their own, or are they missing doctors appointments? These arered flagsthat its time to consider in-home care.
If in-home care is something you want to explore, you need to find a company you can trust. This certainly takes time and effort. However, it will be well worth it when you have access to experienced and compassionate caregivers who will treat your loved one like family. The caregiver(s) you choose will also meet your loved ones practical needs, whether its with meal preparation, mobility, housekeeping or in a range of other ways.
The question is: where do you begin? Heres how to start the process of finding an in-home caregiver:
Step 1: Identify Your Loved Ones In-Home Care Needs
Before you reach out to an in-home care company or individual caregiver, make sure you know what your loved one needs. Are they relatively independent and simply require some help with light housekeeping, meals and companionship? Or do they need more extensive care and support?
In addition, if they have health conditions, like dementiaor diabetes, youll want a caregiver who has specific experience with these diseases. Some common activities caregivers assist with include:

Bathing and showering
Personal hygiene and grooming
Dressing
Toileting and incontinence
Mobility
Eating

Step 2: Ask for Referrals for In-Home Care
Getting recommendations from friends, family or your loved ones doctor is a great way to find in-home care you can trust. If someone you know has worked with a company or a caregiver who performed exceptionally well, youll know to put them on your list to consider. Likewise, if they had a negative experience, you can keep that in mind during your search.
You can also use the federal governments free locator website, Eldercare Locator. Once you have a few options in mind, research them online so you can learn more about their services, experience and reputation.
Step 3: Consider an In-Home Care Company Rather Than an Individual
When looking for in-home care, you can work with a company who employs professional caregivers. You can also find a caregiver on your own through a staffing agency or online.
However, keep in mind, when you work with a company, theyll perform rigorous screening and background checks. Theyll also make sure caregivers are carefully trained and have the right experience to meet your loved ones needs. In addition, if your loved ones condition changes over time, a company will serve as a trusted partner who can help modify and adjust care as needed. You wont have to worry about finding additional or different caregivers with more specialized expertise.
Step 4: Ask About Caregiver Screening and Experience
Once you are ready to talk with in-home care companies, ask about their screening and hiring process. Youll want to ensure they are performing a thorough background check, including checking driving records, criminal histories and references.
Most companies will have a team member schedule an in-home visit at your loved ones home. During that time, youll be able to ask these and other questions, so you can determine if the caregiver can provide the kind of help you are seeking.
Some additional questions to ask during this process include:

What level of training and experience do your caregivers have?
How will you ensure a good match between my loved one and their caregiver?
When are they available and what are my scheduling options?
What is the price for your services?

If possible, make sure your loved one is part of this process. Theyll have their own questions to ask and will feel more comfortable in the long run when theyre involved in the selection of their caregiver.
Step 5: Have a Trial Period with Your In-Home Caregiver
Once you have one or more caregivers in place to provide in-home care, consider a trial period. This will help you evaluate whether theyre a good fit for your loved one. It will also allow time to ensure the services being provided are at the right level and frequency.
Make sure youre checking in with your loved one regularly to ask how the situation is going and to see if they have any concerns. Once the trial period is over, you can adjust care as needed.

Other Articles You May Like

The Gift of Organization: Simplifying the Holidays for Seniors and Their Families

The holiday season can be both a joyful and overwhelming time, especially for seniors. As loved ones come together to celebrate, the pressure to maintain a tidy and organized home can add stress to what should be a time of joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that a clutter-free environment can foster peace and emotional well-being during the holidays. In this blog, well explore how organization can be a thoughtful gift, not just for seniors, but for their families too. Understanding the Emotional Toll of ClutterFor many seniors, the accumulation of belongings can lead to feelings of despair and overwhelm. As we age, it becomes harder to manage clutter, both physically and emotionally. It can be a source of anxiety, especially when the holidays come around, inviting family gatherings and festive celebrations. Tip: Look Beyond the StuffUnderstanding the emotional connection people have with their belongings is essential. Each item may carry memories or sentimental value, making the decluttering process challenging. Approach the conversation with love and empathy, reminding them that a simplified space can lead to greater peace of mind. Decluttering with PurposeOne of the best gifts you can give a senior this holiday season is a tidied and organized home. Not only will this create a welcoming environment for family visits, but it can also lighten the emotional load that clutter brings. Heres a step-by-step guide to facilitate the decluttering process:Step 1: Set the MoodCreating a pleasant atmosphere can make the decluttering process more enjoyable. Play soft music and have refreshments on hand to create a comfortable and relaxed setting. Encourage the person youre helping to share stories about their belongings, making the process feel less like a chore.Step 2: Start SmallTackling an entire home at once can be overwhelming. Begin with small areas, like a closet or a single room, to make progress feel achievable. Set a timer for 20-30 minutes, allowing for focused work without fatigue. Celebrate small wins together to cultivate a sense of achievement.Step 3: Sorting with LoveAs items are removed from their designated spaces, sort them into four categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Toss. Encourage seniors to keep items that spark joy while helping them understand that saying goodbye to certain belongings doesnt mean losing their memories. Keep: items they love and use regularly.Donate: usable items that could benefit others.Sell: items of value that may also be a source of income.Toss: broken or unusable items that no one will benefit from.Step 4: Create Functional SpacesOnce decluttering is complete, the next step is organizing the remaining items in a way that makes them easily accessible and functional. Use clear bins, labels, and designated spots for everything to maintain order. For example, frequently used items should be within reach, while seasonal items can reside in less accessible areas. Embracing the Spirit of GivingThe holidays are fundamentally about connection and support. By helping a senior declutter, you not only enhance their living environment but also reinforce familial bonds. Its about creating space for memories, laughter, and love during gatherings.Tip: Coordinate with Family MembersEncourage family members to pitch in and share the workload. This shared experience can facilitate deeper connections, ease the emotional strain, and promote teamwork. The act of organizing together reinforces unity, transforms the task into a celebration, and allows everyone to reminisce about the memories tied to certain items.The gift of organization can transform not only a home but the holiday experience itself. A peaceful, organized space fosters emotional well-being and allows seniors and their families to focus on what truly matters: togetherness and joy. Remember, the journey of decluttering is not just about discarding items; its about making room for love, laughter, and cherished memories. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we are here to support you in simplifying the holiday season for seniors and their families. Together, lets create a joyful and stress-free home for the holidays.

The Spirit of Giving: How A Call to Order Professional Organizers Brings Joy to Seniors This Christmas

The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and meaningful connections, especially for seniors who cherish memories and moments spent with loved ones. Unfortunately, the very activities that should bring joylike decorating, gathering, and gift-givingcan become overwhelming when clutter and disorganization take center stage. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that a clutter-free environment can enhance the holiday spirit and create a serene atmosphere for seniors. This article explores how we can make a difference by helping seniors enjoy a seamless and joyful Christmas experience.The Importance of Decluttering for SeniorsAs the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to holiday traditions with friends and family. However, for seniors, it can be challenging to navigate an environment crowded with memories, decorations, and daily items they may no longer need. Decluttering is essential, not just for creating space but for fostering a peaceful and joyful holiday atmosphere. When we help seniors declutter, we guide them through the emotional weight attached to their belongings. Each item tells a story, from cherished holiday decorations passed down through generations to gifts that were once adored but are now forgotten. Our empathetic approach focuses on helping them make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Tips for a Meaningful Decluttering ExperienceStart Small: Begin with one room or area at a time. Focus on the most cluttered areas that require immediate attention, such as living rooms or kitchens. This methodical approach prevents feelings of being overwhelmed during the decluttering journey.Create Keepsake Containers: Encourage seniors to set aside a few cherished items in special containers. This way, they can keep meaningful items without cluttering their spaces. Make sure to label each container for easy identification.Involve Family Members: Invite family members to participate in the decluttering process. This not only reduces the emotional burden but also fosters connection. Sharing stories behind treasured items can be a heartwarming experience.Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive: As you sort through decorations, encourage seniors to curate a selection of their favorite holiday pieces. Incorporate these items into their holiday traditions to evoke nostalgia and joy without overwhelming their space.By employing these strategies, we provide seniors with the clarity and comfort they need to enjoy a peaceful holiday season.Creating a Joyful Holiday EnvironmentOnce decluttering is underway, its time to focus on decorating and creating a joyful environment. The key is to keep things simple yet festive. At A Call to Order, we specialize in transforming spaces, making them inviting for family gatherings and celebrations.Decorating Tips for a Senior-Friendly HolidayChoose a Theme: Help seniors choose a simple theme that resonates with themwhether it's traditional, modern, or whimsical. A cohesive theme can make decorating less overwhelming and more enjoyable.Opt for Lightweight Decorations: Select decorations that are easy to handle and arrange. Avoid heavy ornaments and decor that can pose hazards. Energizing the space with strings of light or simple garlands can be an effective way to enhance the festive atmosphere without overwhelming them.Incorporate Personal Touches: Encourage seniors to include personal items in their decorations. Family photos, handmade ornaments, or crafts from grandchildren can create a warm and inviting space that sparks joy and connection.Maintain Accessibility: Ensure that decorations are arranged at a height that is easy to see and reach. Seniors should feel included in the decorating process, so setup should enable their participation.Plan Gatherings: As the holidays approach, consider scheduling low-key gatherings. A cozy hot cocoa night or a holiday movie marathon with close family can create cherished memories while allowing seniors to enjoy the holiday spirit in a relaxed environment.At A Call to Order, we aim to connect with our clients deeply and meaningfully, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends beyond the holiday season. Helping seniors prepare their homes for Christmas gives them the gift of joy, connection, and solace. Wrapping Up This Christmas, let's remember that the spirit of giving can be manifested through meaningful experiences rather than material possessions. As professional organizers, our mission at A Call to Order is to make the holidays brighter and more memorable for seniors by creating spaces that radiate joy, peace, and love. Connecting emotionally with our clients leads to not only a decluttered home but also a heartwarming holiday season filled with shared moments and cherished memories. This is what we celebrate while bringing joy to seniorsbecause every moment spent in a clutter-free space is a moment of peace during the festive whirlwind of the holidays. 

The Benefits of In-Home Care for Seniors with Mobility Issues

In-home care helps seniors stay in their homes safely, offering support with daily tasks and reducing fall risks, enhancing their quality of life.In-home care helps seniors in an array of areas to age in place safely.If your senior mom or dad wants to live in their own home but their mobility issues are challenging, in-home care providers can help. Your mom or dad may be able to stay in their home as long as they want with support from in-home care services. In-home care providers help seniors with many of the day-to-day tasks necessary to keep a home clean and comfortable.In-home care can also help keep your mom or dad safe. A care provider will do things like make sure that clutter is picked up and floors are free of hazards so that your mom or dad has a lower risk of falling and getting hurt.Here are some of the many benefits of in-home care for seniors: Medication RemindersMost seniors who have mobility challenges take at least five different medications and keeping them all straight can be difficult. If your mom or dad has in-home care, their care provider will remind them when its time to take their medications. They can also help your mom or dad keep track of the medications they need and the dose of each they are supposed to have.With in-home care services, theres a lower risk that your mom or dad will miss a dose of an important medication or take the wrong dose of a particular medication. Help with Household Cleaning and MaintenanceSeniors who have mobility challenges often have a difficult time keeping up with household chores. In-home care providers help seniors with light housekeeping tasks that keep the home clean and comfortable.Care providers can do chores like sweeping, mopping, dusting, laundry, changing linens, taking out the trash, and doing the dishes. Having someone else do the chores can be a big help for your mom or dad. Assistance with ErrandsWhether its going to the grocery store, picking up prescriptions, or visiting the post office, these routine tasks are challenging or sometimes painful for seniors who have a hard time getting around.If your mom or dad has in-home care a care provider can run to the bank, the post office, the pharmacy, or the grocery store for your mom or dad so that they can stay home comfortably but still get the things they need. Transportation to Medical AppointmentsRegular visits to healthcare providers are essential for seniors, especially those managing chronic health conditions. However, seniors with mobility challenges may find getting to their medical appointments very exhausting and overwhelming because of their limited mobility.In-home caregivers can provide safe, reliable transportation to and from medical appointments, ensuring that seniors never miss a check-up or treatment session. Peace of Mind for FamiliesIn-home care services benefit seniors and provide peace of mind for their families. Knowing that a qualified caregiver is assisting with daily taskssuch as medication reminders, household cleaning, errands, and transportation, which reassures family members that their loved ones are well cared for.It can be difficult for families who live far away or have other responsibilities to consistently provide the level of care seniors need. In-home care bridges this gap by providing consistent, compassionate support for seniors.   If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Commerce City, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.  

Local Services By This Author

FirstLight Home Care Omaha

Non-Medical 2717 South 88th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68124

At FirstLight Home Care WE CHANGE LIVES EVERYDAY! We help people live safely, independently, with dignity and joy in the place they call home. FirstLight Home Care provides non-medical full companion and personal care services in Omaha to those who need a little more assistance.I understand the fears and anxieties of my clients because I, too, was a caregiver to my mom and dad when they fell ill. Caring for them sparked a passion within me. Today, I am driven to make sure other families do not have to struggle like I did.My mission? To provide peace of mind for the whole family, listening to their individual needs.At the end of the day, I get to help a wife be a wife, a son be a son, a daughter be a daughter and a friend be a friend. I help people get theirfamilies back. This business has been the greatest gift in the world to me.' Jaye Firmature McCoy, Owner