With so many options available in Hawaii, it can be difficult to know if you chose the right care provider for your aging loved one. Price and popularity don’t always translate into quality care and when it comes to the size of the care provider—bigger isn’t always better. So how can you be sure that your care provider is giving your loved one the care and attention they need and deserve?
Here are five questions to ask yourself when evaluating your partnership with a care provider.
Is the care plan being followed?
Most care providers will create a care plan for your loved one. It’s specific to their individual needs, requests, and preferences. Any deviations from the care plan could mean your loved one is not getting the care that was agreed upon. Changes should always be discussed with you ahead of time and given your approval before they are implemented. Consider making an unannounced visit to make sure this is happening.
How reliable are they?
If your loved one is in need of care, chances are they don’t just need it sporadically, but on a regular, ongoing basis. Are caregivers showing up on time and as scheduled? Do they consistently provide your loved one with a high level of care? Too much turnover or change can cause unwarranted stress and anxiety for your loved one. Reliability builds trust and trust lays the foundation for a strong, lasting partnership.
How well do they communicate?
Communication goes far beyond the conversations and interactions between your loved one and the caregiver. A good home care provider communicates with everyone involved in the care process. Family members, care managers, caregivers, and your loved one themselves should all have an active voice in the planning of care.
Do they check up on their employees?
Caregivers work out-in-the-field, so important for your care provider to keep close tabs on their employees. Are they regularly monitoring performance? Are they ensuring policies and procedures are being followed? Are they promptly addressing any issues or problems? Your care provider needs to have a hands-on role in the management of their caregivers. If you’ve feel like you’ve taken on this responsibility yourself, you may want to reconsider your partnership.
Is your loved one happy?
Though “happy” is a subjective term, at the very least you want your loved one to be well-adjusted and benefiting from the care they receive. A large part of this is dependent on finding caregivers with the right personality and compatibility—a job that your care provider should take seriously. If you’ve seen an overall improvement in their well-being as well as your own, you’ve made the right choice.
Choosing a care provider is a difficult decision, made more difficult by the fact not all care providers are equal. Be wary of the cheapest, most convenient care providers as they may not be able to provide the quality of care your aging loved one needs. By ensuring that you’ve partnered with the right care provider, you’ll give yourself and your loved one the peace of mind needed to make home care successful for your family.
With so many options available in Hawaii, it can be difficult to know if you chose the right care provider for your aging loved one. Price and popularity don’t always translate into quality care and when it comes to the size of the care provider—bigger isn’t always better. So how can you be sure that your care provider is giving your loved one the care and attention they need and deserve?
Here are five questions to ask yourself when evaluating your partnership with a care provider.
Is the care plan being followed?
Most care providers will create a care plan for your loved one. It’s specific to their individual needs, requests, and preferences. Any deviations from the care plan could mean your loved one is not getting the care that was agreed upon. Changes should always be discussed with you ahead of time and given your approval before they are implemented. Consider making an unannounced visit to make sure this is happening.
How reliable are they?
If your loved one is in need of care, chances are they don’t just need it sporadically, but on a regular, ongoing basis. Are caregivers showing up on time and as scheduled? Do they consistently provide your loved one with a high level of care? Too much turnover or change can cause unwarranted stress and anxiety for your loved one. Reliability builds trust and trust lays the foundation for a strong, lasting partnership.
How well do they communicate?
Communication goes far beyond the conversations and interactions between your loved one and the caregiver. A good home care provider communicates with everyone involved in the care process. Family members, care managers, caregivers, and your loved one themselves should all have an active voice in the planning of care.
Do they check up on their employees?
Caregivers work out-in-the-field, so important for your care provider to keep close tabs on their employees. Are they regularly monitoring performance? Are they ensuring policies and procedures are being followed? Are they promptly addressing any issues or problems? Your care provider needs to have a hands-on role in the management of their caregivers. If you’ve feel like you’ve taken on this responsibility yourself, you may want to reconsider your partnership.
Is your loved one happy?
Though “happy” is a subjective term, at the very least you want your loved one to be well-adjusted and benefiting from the care they receive. A large part of this is dependent on finding caregivers with the right personality and compatibility—a job that your care provider should take seriously. If you’ve seen an overall improvement in their well-being as well as your own, you’ve made the right choice.
Choosing a care provider is a difficult decision, made more difficult by the fact not all care providers are equal. Be wary of the cheapest, most convenient care providers as they may not be able to provide the quality of care your aging loved one needs. By ensuring that you’ve partnered with the right care provider, you’ll give yourself and your loved one the peace of mind needed to make home care successful for your family.