Some families do not have the financial resources to care for their elderly relatives. Although hiring a caregiver might seem like the easiest solution, there are many factors to consider in order to ensure your loved one’s care, attention and well-being.
This article summarizes the five (5) most important aspects you should consider when hiring a caregiver.
Is your budget sufficient?
Hiring a caregiver is expensive, whether you like it or dislike it. Some families do not have the funds to pay for a caregiver over a long period of time. A professional caregiver may require a monthly contribution from the entire family.
You should also consider other costs, like the medication and food of your elderly relative. Other expenses include lodging and medical equipment such as a blood pressure monitor and stethoscope.
You may have to pay for medical visits, nutritional supplements and special transportation. Your family might also need bedroom equipment like a bedpan or a wheeled side table. It is important to calculate all expenses and anticipate them to determine if your family can afford to pay for a caregiver.
Who is doing the hiring?
The hiring of a caregiver will affect the whole family, but not everyone must be involved in the hiring process. Families can ask the older members to help with the hiring process.
When interviewing potential caregivers, adults are more likely to have the maturity and knowledge needed to ask the correct questions. Someone with experience, for example, will know the right questions to ask when evaluating the quality of an agency that provides home care.
What is the hiring process?
It will be determined by how the family views caregivers. Some families are looking for a caregiver who has the appropriate education, training and gender and is willing to accept a reasonable amount of compensation. Some families prefer a caregiver who has a car, while others want someone with a similar culture and a daily companion.
Some families are willing to use online job search sites or post ads. Some families may prefer to communicate their need for a caregiver by way of family or friends. It is important that everyone in the family agrees on this before hiring a caregiver.
Which Caregiver Would You Hire?
Some families have a very high standard because they want to hire someone that will get along with their elderly member. Families may have to create a shortlist and interview questions.
A caregiver should be kind to everyone, especially to those who are difficult to take care of. A caregiver who is ideal should have some training in healthcare, such as being a certified nurse, because your loved one may need to take medication regularly.
Sometimes the best caregiver comes from within your family. It is important to find someone who knows your loved one and can relate to them. A relative is likely to be less expensive.
Do You Have Other Functions?
Some families expect their caregivers to perform other duties than just caring for the family member. If the caregiver is a woman, for example, the family might expect her to do more than just administer medication and give baths. They may also ask her to clean and launder.
To avoid misunderstandings, the family should clearly define the caregiver’s responsibilities at the beginning. The family may need to hire someone else to do other tasks to allow the caregiver to focus on their caregiving duties.
The caregiver should also set the boundaries before they begin to work. Patients with dementia may be abusive towards caregivers. This can lead to stress for caregivers and affect the quality care.
Take-Aways
Hiring a caregiver can be the last resort for families who are looking for care options for a loved-one. The caregiver’s job is to take care of the patient. It is important to have a clear understanding between the caregiver and the family about their tasks, compensation, schedules and boundaries. This will prevent confusion and stress.