It could be due to a chronic illness, an injury or a fall within the home, but there comes a time when many adult children recognize that their elderly parent needs senior care. While it may be easy to recognize their need for assistance around the house, choosing the right professional caregiver can be difficult, but there are a few tips to keep in mind.
The first thing family members should think about is what level of care their relative needs. For instance, if their loved one has difficulty with activities of daily living, such as bathing or dressing, then personal care is likely the best option. However, if they require more substantial help, such as medication management or assistance with diabetes care, then skilled nursing is the better choice.
Of course, identifying their needs is only the first step, family members also have to take time to find the correct agency. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, one of the best ways is for family members to talk to friends and other contacts to see if they’d had any experience with services in the area. There are also registries that offer a long list of the available home care companies.
