Inviting the right home healthcare provider into your home or into the home of someone you love can provide so much peace of mind. Unfortunately, finding the right provider can sometimes get complicated and frustrating. So many providers can introduce themselves in a blaze of glory only to follow with enormous failure in delivery. You can avoid such disappointment however, by investing some time thinking about what you really need and understanding the types of organizations that provide home healthcare services. Often, the perception of what is needed by the caregiver is very different from the perception of what is needed by the person who needs care. This is when a social worker can play a critically important role by assessing the true needs and communicating them from a professional point of view. For instance, an adult daughter might be afraid to to let her father do anything without her when in fact, he is still very capable of folding his own laundry. On the other hand, perhaps her father does need some help understanding his medical needs even though he strongly believes his adult daughter is simply a worrier and prone to nagging.
It's time to talk to someone when you're missing time from work, your family, or simply feeling burned out.
Talking to a social worker or elder care nurse can be very helpful when it comes to sorting out real needs and addressing issues that surround independence and concern about our loved ones.
Once you take that initial step of talking to someone about home healthcare, consider these things: How responsive is the agency when you call? How tailored is the program the agency offers? Does it take into account specific needs or does it simply offer a one-size-fits-all type of service?
Keep in mind that our elder family members will require greater medical attention as they grow older, they may need a home healthcare provider for a long time if they want to remain in their homes. Does the agency you are considering offer continuity of care and nurse supervision? Does it have strong roots in the community that establish sustainability?
Switching agencies as needs grow is like changing horses mid-stream. By choosing a home healthcare provider with a strong reputation and the ability to provide all levels of care, you ensure a continuity of quality care, a familiar face at your door, and a depth of caring that will provide you with peace of mind and confidence in the choices you make.
