Caregiver in Dacula GA

Preparing seniors to welcome a professional caregiver into their home will take some tact, patience, and often desensitization. Some older people still believe they are capable of living independently, though certain telltale signs reveal this is not the case. Others just reject the idea of having a “stranger” in their home, but they need to be reminded of two things: 1) this is the alternative to living in a senior care facility, and 2) the home care professional is only a stranger the first day, over time he or she will be a friend, helper and protector for the senior. Preparing seniors to accept their senior caregivers in advance helps everyone during this transition phase.

Here are a few tips to help your loved ones understand that this is a definite change that is happening for their benefit and to ensure they are well cared for in their own home. If they see everything is being prepared ahead of time, it will help ease the transition.  The caregivers will need some information and structure to be sure they can help your senior stay healthy and continue to enjoy a quality living experience in their own home.

• You need a constant flow of information. Some agencies use a software program or you can design your own for the specific needs. Also, seek support and information from others who are successfully working with a home care agency for their own seniors.
• Prepare legal documents, organize their paperwork and keep them in a secure place.
• Organize medical information and care history, make copies for the caregiver in case of an emergency. Include all important phone numbers, physicians, emergency response, security, and family members.
• Learn about new technologies that can assist the elderly. Set up a safe environment – bathrooms, bedroom, kitchen – to increase safety, better mobility, and convenience.
• Your senior care agency is sending a qualified provider to assist with your senior relative. Take the time that they are in your seniors’ home to rest up, enjoy free time for recreation, relaxation, and re-energize.
• Prepare a list of tasks you know will help your senior on a daily and weekly basis. The personal senior care giver may have additional suggestions once he or she gets to know your loved one better.

Use this organizing time to help your senior adjust to the reality of having a professional caregiver to help them prepare good meals, dress and do laundry, get them to appointments and go outside for regular walks and sunshine, and other things to keep the senior alert, active and healthy.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your caregiver needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable services in Dacula, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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