Welcome to June! Summertime is here, but the world of caregiving continues! The seasons of the year do not diminish the need to take care of our loved ones. Often, the summer months can create challenges for many families, including those in the sandwich generation, who must balance their employment, care for their aging parents, and attend to their school-aged children, who are, by the way, out of school for the summer. They require care as well. Decisions-Decisions!!
Well, I’m here to help! Let’s discuss it. As always, we have to consider the type of care required. Not all care is created equal. However, the key is to investigate different avenues and options. This could include private individuals or agencies. One aspect that is often overlooked is researching the potential carriers and/or agencies you are considering. Yes, Background checks and referrals from others are still vital. If they have worked in the caregiving space elsewhere, request recommendations. The goal is to find the best fit for your needs and the needs of your loved ones. They must be able to handle daily activities, medical needs, and mobility deficiencies, such as lifting and turning. Your selection must be able to handle this demand.
Alternatives To Explore- Here Are Three Options To Consider:
1. Many do not take advantage of senior agencies. They are an excellent resource, providing a host of services (some free, some at a cost), and they can often conduct the screening of individuals you may be interested in selecting. Many also have a trained caregiver on standby for hire.
2. Another alternative is to consider a caregiver with a more personalized approach based on your loved one’s medical condition (e.i, diabetes, heart disease, amputations), taking into account their flexibility.
3. The third alternative is to seek the support of friends, community organizations, church groups, and ask medical providers for references.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, it is essential to remember that certain qualities are necessary for your loved ones. Compassion and empathy are essential, as is reliability. You must be able to rely on the person or agency, so consistency is fundamental. Let’s remember that all elders deserve respect, kindness, and dignity. Regardless of your decision, the caregiver should be able to adapt to changing needs. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, serving as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous works, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflect her experiences and insights gained during her heartfelt caregiving journey.