How to find a live-in caregiver for the elderly?

Each elder may have specific needs, but the one they have in common, the need for support from capable care providers for everything they can no longer do. It is excellent, then to get a reliable private caregiver to receive the assistance they need. The challenge is it may not be simple to find the right one. 

 Reasons to engage a private caregiver to assist an elder

 

Providing senior care can be through assisted living, where they stay in homely facilities with several care providers. The caregivers here readily offer services like medication reminders, hygiene maintenance, and more. In that manner, seniors have all their needs covered and enjoy comfort day-in, day-out.  

On the other hand, elders who like to stay at their homes can choose to hire live-in caregivers. It is the type of support wherein they receive personal assistance almost 24/7 with a particular caregiver. It is excellent for rapport building, which helps for better understanding in caregiving. 

One of the possible drawbacks of this option is the rest days or hours of the private caregivers. It is understandable if a care assistant gets rest days or hours. However, some seniors with vulnerable health can afford to have no assistant, even for a short period. If this is the case, another option is to employ shifting caregivers. In this setting, there are two or three people switching duties every eight or 12 hours. 

Options to find a care provider 

 

The demands for senior care urge companies and professionals to extend services to address their needs. Today, there are different means to find a private caregiver. If you’re on it, you can employ for any of the following:

Carry out a personal hiring process. All by yourself, you can engage in looking and hiring a care provider. You can employ online advertisements like posting on the job or social media site. On the traditional channels, there are broadcasting shows or print media that can accommodate your ad.  

Your advertisements can run as many times as you afford until you receive enough applicants to interview. The problem with this option is it can be time-consuming and energy-draining. If the need is urgent, you don’t want to waste time on this lengthy process. What more if you hire a caregiver who is, apparently, unsuitable to the elder. In that case, you go back to doing the same steps. 

Count on personal referral. An elder’s friends or relatives can be the avenue to introduce a care provider. Given the attachment, they have the concern to recommend only a reliable one. It is also possible the caregiver they refer to is also someone they know or work with before.

A problem with this is sometimes you don’t know the competency of the referred care assistant. The person may be trustworthy but lacks appropriate training and supervision to provide quality work. It is crucial if the elder suffers from a medical condition like dementia. 

Company or agency’s recommendation. The upfront cost of a referral from an agency can be expensive, but it offers beneficial convenience. You don’t need to do the advertising, hiring, or thorough briefing every time. You are also sure a caregiver underwent assessment and training. The company covers these processes, as well monitoring and supervision, so elder has a reliable caregiver.