Care Management: How to be Prepared

Hind Sight is 20-20 - Don't You Wish You Were Prepared?

If you decide that bringing in a professional caregiver is the best option, let's take the steps to prepare.

1. Have the talk with your loved one about bringing aboard a care support member and how this will benefit them.
2. Create a list of a few things to look for in an ideal caregiver.
3. Prepare the home.
4. Prepare the caregiver on how to best assist and care for your loved one.

This caregiver will be a part of your loved ones day-to-day life and understandably so, you want to make sure you are comfortable allowing this person care for them through this next step.

Having the Talk
Bringing in a caregiver can be very tough on your loved one. This person is going to be a major part of their life so encourage them to be a part of the interview process and let the caregiver know of their likes and dislikes so that they can care for them in a way that fits your loved ones wants and needs.

What to Look for in a Caregiver

There are certain things that your loved one and you might desire from a caregiver. Having a few ideas of things that your loved one would appreciate in a caregiver. Below are some examples:

• Bilingual
• Enjoys playing boardgames
• Shares a similar personality
• Tech-savvy
• Good cook
• Can assist with exercises

Preparing the Home
Having a well organized home to bring the caregiver into will ease the transition for everyone.

• Have a designated safe/secure spot for valuable items such as wallets and important documents.
• Make a list for the caregiver as to where medication is stored, emergency contacts, disaster plan and daily tasks.
• Declutter - throw out or give away any unnecessary items. Unnecessary items out of the way = lower risk of falling
• Ensure the house is stocked with everyday supplies such as depends, food, toiletries, etc.

Preparing the Caregiver
Most likely, your loved one already follows a daily routine and they like to stick to that routine. However, now they need assistance through this routine. The caregiver should follow their schedule and assist where needed. You will need to asses your loved to figure out where they need support.
In areas such as:

• Dressing/bathing
• Meal prep
• Transfers (i.e. moving from a bed to a chair)
• Toileting
• Exercise
• Driving to/from appointments

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As Care Managers, we at Next Step Senior Care Inc. are here to provide additional support where needed, whether a caregiver is brought in or one is not yet necessary. We put together a care plan that fits your loved ones needs and manage their care along with a caregiver in place. We can assist in areas such as:

• Scheduling doctor appointments/communicating with the doctor about care needs
• Provide organizational support and resources
• Creating/updating the care plan
• Ensuring the caregiver is caring for your loved one in the best way possible
• Keeping your loved one in contact with important people in their life
• Easing the transition into this next step in life

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Provided in the link below is some more information about adding a caregiver to your care support team.
Opt-In Choosing the In-Home Care Model