If your elderly parents want to stay at home, then at some point, it will be necessary to hire in home care. Explain to your parents that hiring help is not a sign of weakness or "giving up", but instead a sign of good common sense and realizing limitations. Most elderly parents need some type of home care assistant to help with personal care and activities of daily living. This might include assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, feeding, medication assistance, walking and exercising, shopping and running errands, housekeeping, and laundry. Perhaps your parents can't be left alone and need supervision, or perhaps you are the primary caregiver and need time to yourself. All of these are reasons to hire in home care.
In most situations, a nurse aide will be able to provide this type of care. Hiring a licensed nurse such as an RN or LPN is not necessary for custodial home care but rather only when skilled care is required. The question now becomes whether to hire this nurse aide through a local home care agency or hire a private caregiver directly. There is no right answer to this question. Let's consider the pros and cons of both choices.
PROS
CONS
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Regardless of whether you choose to hire a private caregiver or employ a home care agency, hopefully you will be fortunate enough to find a devoted caregiver. Becoming comfortable with a caregiver in your home may take a little while, however their immense value will be quickly realized. Good communication, clearly outlining work expectations and requirements, with an emphasis on positive feedback, will create a sound relationship and warm bond with your caregiver. Caregivers, as is the case with many of us, need to hear praise for good work and appreciation frequently expressed. This effort will in turn encourage your caregiver to develop a sense of loyalty and devotion to your parents and family.
Clare Absher is a Registered Nurse with 43 years of experience. Most of her experience is in home health serving as a caregiver, educator, patient advocate, and liaison between families and community resources. She has also worked in acute care, assisted living, and retirement settings. She is passionate about helping families care for their elderly loved ones at home.
