Moving into a board and care home or an assisted living facility is a huge adjustment. Likewise, hiring in-home care also brings about many changes to your daily life. While the extra help can be exactly what you need to make life easier, the transition can be tricky. You can make the process easier by communicating your wishes clearly to the new caregivers. Here are a few important things your caregiver needs to know.
1. Tell Them What You Need
This may seem obvious, but every person has different needs. A caregiver doesn’t automatically know your personal situation unless you communicate it to them. Explain to them which Activities of Daily Life you need help with, such as grooming, getting to the bathroom, or medication management. If you are hiring an in-home caregiver, it might also be a good idea to give them a list of household tasks you expect them to care for, including meal preparation or running errands.
In assisted living and board and care homes, many of these tasks are included in the monthly fees. If not, the facility will assess what services you require and discuss additional costs with you. Whether you are moving into a community or hiring an in-home caregiver, it is important to be upfront about what you need. Be sure they know about your health issues, large and small. Clarity avoids misunderstanding and enables caregivers to provide a higher quality of care that suits your needs.
2. Medication Management
Provide your new caregiver with a list of all of your current medications, as well as when and how these need to be taken. It is best to write it all down and provide written instructions. Be sure to provide updates whenever your physicians change your medications or the dosages.
3. Talk About Meals
If your caregiver will be preparing meals, be sure to provide plenty of information about the foods you like and dislike as well as your nutritional needs. Mention if you are diabetic or have allergies and cannot eat certain foods. It is important to talk with the caregiver or the staff at an assisted living home about nutrition.
If you are the friend or child of an older adult, ask the caregiver to inform you if he or she sees any changes in eating habits. Often a lack of appetite or not drinking enough fluids can be signs of illness or depression. Regular updates can help catch a health change in its early stages.
4. Provide A List Of Contacts
Your caregiver also needs to know whom to call in case of emergency. They may also want to contact someone to discuss a concern or ask a question. Be sure to provide a list of friends or family who can address various issues. Also, it is wise to mention if there are certain people that you would rather not see or perhaps there are certain times of day when you don’t wish to entertain guests.
Finding a caregiver or an assisted living facility or board and care home can be quite difficult and even frustrating. At Care Placement, we try to make the process as simple as possible, providing you with a list of carefully screened facilities that truly match your unique needs. So whether you are seeking a facility for assisted living, a board and care home, or in-home care, we can help you all throughout Orange and San Diego counties.