According to the AARP, approximately 90 percent of the 41.5 million Americans over the age of 60 are hoping to stay in their home as they age. This statistic has dramatically increased the options available for selecting a home service and a live-in caregiver.
Determine Need
Does the person living alone:
- Need help with medication, meals, laundry, chores, errands?
- Require companionship to keep him engaged in viable activities during the day?
- Seem to be at a loss to know what to do during the day?
If "yes" is the answer to any of these questions, then need has been determined and the next step is to pinpoint which type of caregiver is required.
Assisted Living Versus Memory Care
Standard assisted living care consists of a live-in caregiver whose primary responsibilities include cooking, cleaning, laundry and companionship. Memory care assistance is usually provided to those people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, but will continue to live at home indefinitely. Services include the same functions as standard assisted living but are coupled with "cueing", or prompting the person to shower, dress, take medication and eat regularly. Memory caregivers will also assist with and monitor daily activities such as using the microwave, washing machine or dishwasher so they can continue to feel useful in their daily living. Once the type of assistance required has been determined, begin to research local home health and companion services.
Home Health Services
In recent years, with the increased aging of our population, a multitude of services has sprung up that provide live-in care to those requiring it. Check the Yellow Pages under "Home Health Care & Services" to find local options. Also talk to people who have gone through the same situation to get feedback on their experiences, both good and bad. As with anything else, call at least three places and ask each the same set of questions:
- What specific services do they provide? (Have a list ready of what is needed).
- How do they determine if a caregiver is a match for your specific needs?
- Can they provide at least three current references for their service and for the caregiver ultimately selected as a match for your loved one?
- Will services adjust as the level of care increases?
- What is the cost?
- Is there a contract to sign?
- If yes to the above question, can the contract be reviewed in advance?
- Is the agency insured? (The answer must be yes).
- Are there any hidden costs?
Regarding hidden costs, here is an example: if the caregiver takes the senior out to lunch or for a ride, the cost of gas and lunch may not be covered and may be billed at a later date. Verify that there is accurate cost accounting for those types of extras and understand how it works.
Meet the Candidates
Set up meetings with the caregivers that the agency has selected. If possible, have them meet the person for whom they will be providing care. Make the meeting informal, perhaps a lunch at home. This will help determine the dynamics between the caregiver and the senior. If meeting the senior is not possible, then asking a few pointed questions can assist in determining compatibility.
Questions to ask:
- How long have they been caregivers?
- What did they like best/least about their previous two assignments?
- What types of hobbies/interests do they enjoy?
Asking these questions will provide additional pieces to the puzzle to determine if this person is suitable to live with, and care for, your loved one.
Make a Decision Based on Knowledge
Remember that it is the most capable and the most compassionate person, and agency, that must be selected. Separate out emotions when making a decision. Use all available resources. Visit the National Council on Aging web site. This non-profit service advocacy agency provides education, resources and guidelines. If Alzheimer's or dementia is part of the equation, go to the Alzheimer's Association web site for support. Gain as much knowledge as possible in order to make this challenging situation a little easier.
Following these guidelines: determining need, researching options, asking specific questions, interviewing caregiver candidates and making a decision based on knowledge will ensure that your loved one can enjoy quality of life in their own home indefinitely.
