Working with elderly care nurses and in-home caregivers is a great way to help your loved ones stay safe, comfortable, and healthy at home. To make the most of the experience, you’ll need to ensure that you, your family member, and his or her care providers are all on the same page. If this is your first time working with in-home care services, Serenity Home Care® explains what you need to know to successfully coordinate with the nurses and health aides caring for your loved one.
Call a Meeting
Every partnership with Serenity Home Care® begins with an in-home assessment that helps our team tailor care to your loved one’s needs. Once you’ve determined what kind of care is required, it’s a good idea to schedule a meeting with your relative’s caregiver and any family members who will be involved with day-to-day care. This is a great opportunity for everyone to get to know the caregiver and understand which services will be provided. Your loved one will also have the opportunity to voice his or her concerns, which should drive all decisions about care whenever possible.
Be Clear about Roles
In addition to nursing care and other services provided by Serenity Home Care®, it’s likely your loved one’s spouse, children, and other family members will play a role in their care. You’ll want to make sure that all parties involved understand their responsibilities so that no important issues fall through the cracks. Be sure to ask who will be responsible for:
- Administration of medication
- Doctor’s appointments
- Grocery shopping, meal prep, and feeding if needed
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Transportation and social activities
- Pet care and other help around the house
If you find it challenging to keep up with needs outside the care provided by a nurse, you may want to discuss adding personal care or housekeeping services to make things simpler.
Keep Detailed Notes
There’s a lot to keep track of when helping with the care of a senior, and everyone must know the latest updates. Be sure to keep detailed notes that address changes in medication, dietary requirements, and more, as well as a log of all upcoming appointments. That way, you can rest assured that your loved one’s nurse or caregiver is aware of any important changes. There are many ways to keep and share this information, from a notebook to shared online documents and apps. Choose one that works for you, and be sure to update it faithfully.
Prioritize Communication
The relationship between caregivers, family, and patients is special, but it can also be delicate – especially in the beginning. That makes it important to prioritize open, honest communication between all parties. Seniors must feel comfortable expressing their wishes to relatives and caregivers alike. At the same time, it’s important to ask questions, raise concerns, and give feedback. Our nurses and caregivers value your input and rely on it to deliver the best care for every senior.
Learn More about Coordinating with Elderly Care Nurses and Caregivers
With help from our nurses and caregivers, you can rest assured that your aging loved one is safe, secure, and comfortable. Serving Oregon’s seniors since 2006, Serenity Home Care® is a family-owned and operated business that’s committed to delivering the highest quality care possible. Contact us today to learn more about our home care services or to schedule an in-home assessment.
