Determining if Your Elderly Loved One is Being Cared for Properly

The decision to hire a professional caregiver for your elderly loved one is an important one.  You may wish you had the luxury of staying home with the senior yourself, but circumstances aren’t allowing it.  Fortunately, a paid caregiver can still give your loved one the time and commitment they deserve.  Knowing your parent or grandparent is being well cared for is the best way to combat any feelings of doubt or hesitation – so make sure you hire the right caregiver.  Using an agency that offers care software technology gives you a distinct advantage.

According to a survey that interviewed the elderly and infirm, 90 percent preferred home care over institutional care.  If you have a parent or grandparent that needs help with day-to-day tasks but wishes to remain at home, hiring an in-home caregiver is undoubtedly the best solution.  By using an agency that utilizes ClearCare’s homecare management software you will always know your loved one is being properly cared for.

Choosing the Right Caregiver

The most important first step in guaranteeing your loved one is cared for properly is to hire the right caregiver.  The following criteria will aid you during the interviewing process.

·  Insist on a criminal background check.  Never rely on the caregiver’s word for it; always ask to see the proper documentation.
·  Check references.  It’s recommended to speak with two or three past clients and ask questions to get a real feel for the caregiver.  ClearCare’s care software technology makes it easy to keep track of caregiver credentials and past work.
·  Consider hiring a Licensed Vocational Nurse or RN.  Such specialists are adequately trained, recognize early symptoms of illness, and have high standards of care.
·  Interview several caregivers.  Even if you are meeting with an agency administrator, ask to meet with the specific caregivers who may be assigned to your relative.  If you are not comfortable with one of the providers you meet, it’s okay to request a different one.
·  Ask about the agency’s homecare management software program.  ClearCare’s care software technology gives excellent peace of mind to families because of the real-time visibility to daily care.

Stay Involved

Ensuring reliability is easy when you use a system like ClearCare.  This innovative care software technology notifies you when the caregiver arrives at your parent’s home and when each specific daily task is completed.  Such technology proves not only that your loved one is indeed receiving care, but also that medications are administered on time and meals are served as scheduled.

ClearCare’s homecare management software also facilitates good communication between you and the caregiver.  If you have given the caregiver detailed instructions and outlined clear expectations, the caregiver will know exactly what her job involves.

With the help of ClearCare’s homecare management software, good communication and active involvement, you can be assured your loved one is being cared for properly.