As the ones we love age and begin to require a little extra help to navigate day-to-day activities with comfort and security, knowing how to find the best care and assistance brings peace of mind to everyone. Autonomy, dignity, and quality of care all help inform what option is best for your loved one; having a good idea of what you actually need, as well as what options are best suited to the unique circumstances of the one you love, helps to guide your decision with confidence.
At Compassion Network Home Care, we know that the decision to introduce assistive measures to your, or someone you love’s daily living is a big path to embark on. There are many different aspects to be aware of when making your choice, and plenty of core details you’ll want to keep in mind moving forward. Since 2013, we’ve proudly worked with families in Edmonton and Calgary to help them find the best in-home care that empowers their loved ones to live freely, while also getting the help they need with ease.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most important things to keep in mind when considering home care for a senior loved one, as well as how to narrow your search for the right provider. Read on to learn more!
When Should I Start Looking For Home Care?
The reality is, sitting down to discuss alternative and assistive living solutions with your senior loved ones isn’t always an easy conversation. For many, there is a very understandable fear that “getting help” really means losing their independence and autonomy. Thankfully, with the right solutions in place, this doesn’t have to be the case. The best way you can protect the ones you love and find the right kind of care is to try and have these conversations as early as possible, even if it might feel a little uncomfortable. Doing so allows everyone to be on the same page, to establish guidelines and transition points that may indicate a more urgent need for a higher level of care (especially for those who may have conditions that progress with time), and ensures that everyone feels as safe and respected as possible.
In short, the sooner you start looking into senior healthcare options, even if they’re not necessary now, the better-prepared everyone will be when it’s time to take that next step.
When you begin looking at options, consider the following:
What Level of Care Does My Loved One Need?
This is the most important question you need to evaluate in the early stages of finding care for a senior family member (or yourself), and it can often be a little trickier to answer than you might think. In order to receive the right level of care, there need to be some very honest conversations between all involved parties, and, if necessary, you may need the assistance of outside medical specialists to make an informed decision. To determine what level of care is best, consider factors like:
- known medical conditions
- what kind of activities the individual in question needs assistance with (eg. Bathing, dressing, grooming, maintaining the home, etc.)
- Are there any acute signs or symptoms that may warrant further investigation or indicate a need for a higher level of care? Is their current home in a start of constant disorder, or are there signs that memory issues may be occurring? If so, you’ll need to take a closer look at things before making a decision.
- How frequently will your loved one need assistance, and more?
Are There Any Unique Circumstances to Be Considered?
Beyond basic medical and daily living needs, it’s also important to factor in any additional details that would influence your loved one’s quality of care. The need for care to be provided in a senior’s native language, whether or not care is for one or both senior individuals in the home, and other similar factors help to influence want kind of care is best suited to their needs.
What Best Suits Their Financial Options?
Once you know what kind of care is necessary, it’s important to closely evaluate what cost level is accessible for your senior loved one and to ensure that any options you explore fit comfortably within their budget. Bear in mind that their need for care may expand in the future, and so planning for both the short and long term is essential.
How to Find the Right Provider
The journey to find the right care provider is unique for every family, and every individual. To find the best fit for the one you love, it’s essential to take the time to do your research, carefully evaluate any prospective provider’s services, policies, and procedures, and maintain clear and transparent communication between all parties to ensure the best quality of care.
Help You Can Trust
At Compassion Network Home Care, we know how important it is for seniors to maintain their sense of freedom and autonomy. We’re proud to offer reliable home care services that empower seniors and allow them to navigate life comfortably.
Learn more about our available home care services in Edmonton and Calgary and if they may be best for your family by contacting us today!
