Home Health Care: Not Just for The Extremely Ill

Do you need to choose a caregiver for your aging parent? You may not have the time to take on the extra responsibility because you are raising a family and have a career. As much as you may want to be there all the time to provide care and support for your loved one, it simply may not be possible, and that means you might need to hire a caregiver to work with your parent when you are not around. It is important to choose the right person so that your loved one feels comfortable and cared for in his or her home. There are several ways for you to make sure the person who provides these services will do the best job possible.

1. Check the Certifications

When interviewing potential caregivers, make sure they have certain certifications. For example, they should know first aid basics, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. If your parent started choking on a piece of food or suddenly stopped breathing for any reason, they should know the exact steps to take to control the situation. Most caregivers must have a CPR certification, but it does not hurt to ask about their certifications because you want the very best for your parent.

2. Create a List of Questions to Ask

You may have a lot of questions you want to ask before allowing someone else to care for your parent. Consider creating a list of all the questions you want to ask so that you are prepared during the interview phase. The right caregiver will easily answer the questions you have for him or her simply because they understand you are the concerned family member of this man or woman who needs extra support and you want the absolute best for them.

If you want to ask plenty of questions, but you are not sure exactly what to ask, these are some questions to consider writing down on your list:

• How long have you worked as a caregiver?
• Are you familiar with providing care to adult patients?
• Would you be able to take my parent to appointments?
• What is the maximum amount of weight you can lift?
• Are there any special techniques you use to help your patients?

These are just a few questions to add to the list. The ultimate goal is to find a caregiver who is not just doing a job, but also building a friendship with your parent. Your mother or father may feel a bit lonely being on his or her own, but it will help to have someone who is always there for them, even when you are not available.