When your aging loved one needs an in-home caregiver, one of the first things you need to do is start preparing the home. You can take the following steps to prepare your parent’s home for the caregiver.
Designate a Caregiver Area
Whether your loved one’s caregiver is spending the night or just visiting during the day, you should prepare a place to store his or her things. For an overnight caregiver, you’ll need to provide the basic essentials for getting a good night’s rest. A daytime caregiver won’t need a bed, but he or she may require a designated area to store his or her bag or coat.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional in-home care, Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Create a Communication System
When your loved one has multiple caregivers, maintaining effective communication is important. Find an area in your loved one’s home where you can set up a communication station. For instance, you can use a notebook or hang a calendar on the wall where everyone can jot down notes. Either way, make sure everyone knows when and how to use the communication system.
Clear Out Clutter
An in-home caregiver may need extra room to perform tasks such as helping your loved one get in and out of the bathtub. Tasks that require help from multiple individuals are easier to do if there’s plenty of space for everyone involved. Go through your loved one’s house to look for areas that might make caregiving difficult. For example, a cluttered walkway could make it challenging for the caregiver to push your loved one in a wheelchair.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Opelika seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Set Up a Home Security System
It’s important to pay attention to home security. While some people simply give caregivers keys to their loved ones’ homes, other families prefer to open the doors themselves. Discuss your home security options with your family members, and make sure the system is set up before the in-home caregiver’s first day.
Install Safety Features
Older adults who need in-home care often require a few modifications around the house. For instance, your loved one may need grab bars installed beside the toilet to help him or her sit down or get up. Discuss your loved one’s safety needs with the caregiver, and take steps to make the home more accessible.
If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Opelika, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (334) 744-7100 today.