Living in South Florida, you’ll find that there’s no lack of options for elder care. Finding a caregiver or in-home care agency won’t be an issue. However, these places are not all created equal. You will need to do some research to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care. Here are some things to consider when choosing an in-home care provider:

Assessing Your Loved One’s Needs

The first step in choosing an in-home care provider is knowing what level of care your loved one requires. Consider physical needs, like mobility, medical conditions and medication management. Do they need someone who can help them manage most aspects of their lives, or do they just need a companion who cooks and cleans? How helpful would it be to have someone around to help them run errands?

Think about how many hours per day or week your loved one will need care. Some companies will come by for a few hours at a time a few days a week, while others require daily hours. If your loved one needs around-the-clock care, many companies offer this as well.

Qualifications and Experience

When trusting someone with your loved one’s care, you want to make sure the company you’re working with has the experience you need. Make sure they have valid certifications and expertise in the needs of your loved one. Ask about the company’s screening processes, ensuring they do thorough background checks on every caregiver.

Personal Qualities of Care Providers

Your loved one will likely need time to adjust to having caregivers in their home. This is easier when the caregiver approaches them with compassion, empathy, patience and understanding. They also need to communicate clearly and effectively, especially when your loved one is new to having someone in their home. Look for these traits when seeking a caregiver.

Evaluating Compatibility and Comfort

You can find the most skilled caregivers in the world, and they still might not be compatible with your loved one. Keep in mind that there’s a difference between disagreements and compatibility issues. Communicating with your loved one and their caregivers is key to ensuring their mutual comfort with the arrangements.

If your loved one needs in-home care, consider Acti-Kare. Our highly trained caregivers are equipped with the expertise and compassion to provide care at all levels, whether your loved one needs assistance for a few hours a week or 24/7 care. We specialize in memory care, a service increasingly required by seniors as they age. Contact us today to learn more about in-home care options for your loved one.