Your senior parent’s caregiver may be one of the most important people right now. Instead of being threatened by this unique relationship, it’s important to try bonding with the caregiver. This will reduce stress and ensure your parent’s needs are met. Here are some things you may do to create a strong relationship with the person taking care of your parent.
Facilitate Better Communication
An important part of any relationship is communication. When your parent first gets a new caregiver, it’s a good idea to sit down and have a chat with him or her. Set clear expectations for how you want things handled so the caregiver isn’t confused.
Make sure the caregiver has your phone number and email so he or she may get in touch with you at any time. Some families do well with notebooks, calendars, or online journals they and the caregivers may update. These options may help you better coordinate care. By communicating thoughtfully with the caregiver, you may be prepared for all situations.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers may assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Ask How You May Make the Caregiver’s Job Easier
A caregiver does shoulder most of the burden of care for your parent, but you should still ask if there’s anything you may do to help. Offering assistance helps a caregiver feel more like a member of the team and less like an employee.
If you don’t take the time to ask, you might accidentally be doing things that make the caregiver’s life more difficult. The caregiver may offer recommendations, such as tweaking dinnertime or scheduling outings, that ensure your loved one’s needs are fully met.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs more extensive home care, Northern Kentucky, KY, Assisting Hands Home Care may meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Avoid Micromanaging
It’s perfectly natural to think you have unique insight into how to take care of your parent. Many caregivers may welcome tips about their clients’ likes, dislikes, and personalities. However, you also need to remember the caregiver is a trained, knowledgeable professional who knows how to keep seniors healthy.
Trying to micromanage the caregiver too much could cause frustration and resentment to build up over time. Avoid being insulting, bossy, or patronizing, and don’t insist on checking in with the caregiver every hour. By trusting the caregiver to be competent, you may create more positive interactions.
Acknowledge the Caregiver’s Hard Work
Everyone likes to be appreciated, and caregivers are no exception. By being thoughtful and thanking him or her for everything he or she does, you may build a stronger relationship with the caregiver. Let the caregiver know you realize how difficult it is to care for your parent, and show your family values his or her assistance. Little things like stocking the caregiver’s favorite tea or coffee may have a huge impact on your relationship. You may want to take the time to give the caregiver birthday gifts, holiday cards, and other tokens of appreciation as well.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional homecare services, Northern Kentucky Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call us at (859)-444-5699 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.
