Create a safe environment for your loved one and home care worker.
Congratulations! You are on your way to getting the in-home support you need to ensure the highest quality of life for you and your loved one. When starting services, you and the home care company you choose will create a care plan and talk about the needs of your loved one in the home. A caregiver will enter the home with this plan in place. If you need a guide on how to prepare for a care plan, please read this blog! This blog contains tips to help you prepare for your new caregiver to start. Welcoming a caregiver into your home may create a little nervousness for you and your family and we hope this guide will help!
Share your habits and routines!
The foundation of a great working relationship between your family and your caregiver will be communication. So, the first step in welcoming a new care worker into your home will be to reflect and think about your home routines. We do not think about these things often because, well, it is our home, and our loved ones and family are born into our family cultures. It might feel a little strange but sharing information about your habits and routines will help your caregiver better incorporate themselves into the rhythm of your home life.
Think about your routines, these questions might help guide you through the process:
- What time are meals usually eaten?
- What times does the day usually start for your loved one?
- Does your loved one take regular naps?
- What times and how are showers usually taken by the person receiving care?
- Who is in the social circle of the person receiving care? How often do they get together and how? Do they have any hobbies you would like the caregiver to join them in?
- Are there any cultural or religious practices that your family follows?
- Are there any privacy preferences that are important to you and your family?
Create a comfortable space!
Home care workers will need a space to take a break during their workday, depending on their schedule. Some caregivers might take a walk and others might want to take a seat somewhere, it is up to the caregiver. You can ask them what their preferences are and welcome them to take their break as they see fit. It would help create a sense of safety and comfort for the caregiver if you identify a space that they can use to take this break. Letting the care worker know that this is a space for them will help them feel more at ease in your home and with your family.
Organize medications and important information!
When a care worker first comes to your home, give them a little tour of where they can find the medications your loved one takes and any contact information that they might need. This will help them know where they need to go should they need any help.
Introduce your pets!
If you have pets, make sure to introduce them to the new caregiver during the initial visit. Let the care worker know about their personality and what commands they follow so that your caregiver will be able to communicate and start to get to know your pet.
Share any safety concerns!
Are there any parts of your home that you know to be careful in? For example, any floors that get slippery when wet or any steps that often lead to tripping? Share these concerns with your caregiver when you meet them so they are aware of these places and can take extra precautions. If you have the ability, help prepare a safe environment by clearing pathways for walking and reducing clutter in the homes. If you have any emergency plans, share those too. Now you will have another person to help maintain the safety of your home!
Now you are all set!
By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can create a supportive environment that promotes trust, safety, and mutual respect between the caregiver and your family. Remember that clear communication, a comfortable workspace, and a safe home environment are key elements in preparing your home for your home care worker. A well-prepared and welcoming atmosphere will create a safe and fulfilling environment for both your loved one and a caregiver!
If you are still in the search for the right caregiver for your home, we can help. Here at Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA) in New York City, caregivers are the owners of our home care company, and it is our passion to provide the highest quality care to you and your loved ones. CHCA has been providing home care services since 1985. We believe that if we create quality jobs for our workers, they will provide quality services to our clients.
Click here to learn more about how we can support you and your family.
