Top 5 Questions to Ask When Exploring In-Home Care

Are you beginning to explore in-home companion care for an aging loved one? It may feel intimidating to complete the research and arrange details for a compatible caregiver, but Senior Home Companions is here to help. We can come alongside you and your family in the search for a companion caregiver who fits the needs of your loved one. With these top five questions, you’ll feel more prepared to interview and hire the best company and caregiver to work with your loved one as they age. 

Question 1: How much help do we need from in-home care?

First, your family and your loved one will need to determine how much help you will need from a caregiver. Do they need round-the-clock care or just a few visits a week? Will your family members be tag-teaming care or do you need more full-time assistance? These questions will At Senior Home Companions, our caregivers can visit your loved one as little or as much as your family needs. We also offer respite care for family caregivers, ranging from a few hours to allow you to run errands, up to 24/7 care if you are going on a trip or vacation. 

Question 2: What type of care would my loved one benefit from?

When you are seeking a caregiver for an older adult, you want to make sure that they both enjoy each other’s company and are reliable and knowledgeable about your family’s needs. At SHC, our caregivers go through a rigorous hiring process and receive ongoing training, so you’ll know that you can depend on them. Our staff also work hard to match caregivers with clients based on skillset and personality, so that your caregiver is someone who’ll become a trusted friend to your aging loved one. 

You’ll also need to ask questions about the type of care that your loved one will most benefit from. Our boutique, in-home companion care at SHC is highly individualized, so whether the need is for assistance with daily tasks, transitional care or simple companionship, our caregivers can help your loved one lead an active and engaged life.

Question 3: What is the benefit of caregiver companionship?

In many cases, the primary function of an in-home caregiver is companionship. According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are linked to expediting many chronic conditions that older adults suffer from. You can reduce the risk of both isolation and associated health concerns by offering in-home care to your aging loved one. 

The companion caregivers at SHC can help your loved one continue attending social outings as it is safe to do so, as well as staying engaged with activities or hobbies at home. Transportation to events, errands and medical appointments is also a major benefit of working with an in-home caregiver. 

Question 4: What are all of the services that a caregiver provides?

SHC caregivers are also prepared to serve our clients with personal care such as bathroom assistance, help with grooming or dressing and providing medication reminders. If your loved one needs help keeping up their home, an SHC caregiver can help clients with planning and preparing meals, doing light housekeeping and laundry or organizing closets and offices. With just the right support, you’ll find that your loved one can remain independent at home.

With Senior Home Companions, you can even take advantage of our additional support services like Family Matters Counseling for making big life decisions, Handyman Services to keep your loved one’s home safe and comfortable or Physical Therapy Assistance after a major medical event. 

Question 5: What happens if or when my loved one moves to a skilled care residence?

If your aging loved one is in need of additional assistance from a skilled nursing facility or assisted living community, their caregiver can move with them. SHC caregivers can continue offering companionship and non-medical support in tandem with your loved one’s nurses and other providers to help ensure that they stay engaged and have the highest quality of life possible, no matter their location.

If you are ready to learn more about working with Senior Home Companions, contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation where you can have all of your important questions answered.