When an elderly family member can no longer manage all the tasks associated with living at home, there are several alternatives to consider. One of them is to contact a companion care agency and arrange for a live-in caregiver. When considering which of the local Companion Care Agencies to call, it makes sense to compare what they offer and how they do business. Here are some tips that will help.
Qualifying Caregivers
One of the first things to explore is how the different Companion Care Agencies go about screening potential companions. What sort of criteria must applicants meet in order to be considered for employment? Are background checks conducted in conjunction with verifying previous employment information? Since the companion will spend so much time with the loved one, it pays to make sure the individual has been properly screened and has the skills needed for the job.
Taking Care of the Household
Depending on the health of the loved one, the companion will need to assume certain responsibilities. Is it possible to provide a companion who can prepare meals in line with any special diet the loved one needs to follow? Perhaps someone will need to take care of the housekeeping, including the laundry. If the loved one needs assistance with personal hygiene, can the companion provide it? Always ask about specific needs and confirm that the agency does provide companions who will be happy to provide the level of support needed.
Social Interaction
While much of the focus is on taking care of the loved one, it helps if the companion can also provide a social outlet. That means someone who can spend time talking with the client and possibly even provide transportation to events that the loved one wants to attend. Providing ongoing social contact is often a key element in ensuring the loved one is comfortable, happy, and looks forward to whatever tomorrow will bring.
For anyone who wants to find the right companion for a loved one, visit website today and arrange to speak with a member of the staff. After going over the needs of the family member, it will be easy to identify companions with the right skills, arrange a meeting, and see how the two get along. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
