You've finally found a great personal in-home caregiver or companion for your parent, and tomorrow is her first day. But wait: Have you forgotten to tell her anything? Use this list (and adapt it to your parent's needs) to make sure you've covered the bases. After discussing it with the caregiver, give her a hard copy for reference (mail it to her if you live far away). That way you can relax, knowing your parent's needs will be taken care of.
Medications
Make sure they're accessible and clearly marked, and that the caregiver knows when they need to be taken and in what amounts. Also let her know whether your parent prefers swallowing them with water or juice.
Food and drink
Note your parent's food and drink allergies, sensitivities, likes, and dislikes. Be detailed -- for example, explain that your parent shouldn't drink coffee after 3 p.m. because it prevents him from sleeping; that seafood gives him hives but fish is OK; or that ice cream is his favorite treat on a hot day.
Eating, cooking, and cleaning
Should your parent be encouraged to prepare food and clean up for himself as much as possible, or does he need help with these tasks? If he needs help feeding himself, is it enough to cut food into small pieces for him, or does he need help getting the food to his mouth? What about tidying up the house -- does your parent make his bed or do his own laundry, or is this beyond his abilities?
Napping and sleep habits
When does your parent like to snooze, how long does he typically nap, and is he most comfortable in a chair or his bed? Does anything special help him rest, like soft music or pulling the blinds?
I am looking for a caregiver position with your company I have close to thirty years experience my children are older now anad I am ready to reclaim my place in the work force and aspire to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner on the field of geriatrics which is my speciality especially in the alzheimer care and parkinsons.
I am in process of changing companies and it helps me in my decision process
Great checklist. Very good info. Hired a wonderful caregiver, who did everything, but as parents progressed I learned that this person would not administer rx's or even touch meds. Upon further questioning learned that C.M.A. certification has lapsed and had not been renewed, therefore was forbidden to administer rx's. After yet another serious health incident, parents had to go to assisted living. Kept caregiver once a week while they were in asst. living to take them out, shopping, etc. Later, this person aided in their leaving against my specific wishes. I have DPOA on both. (Please be certain that a family member has Durable Power of Attorney) Parents are not able to take care of themselves. No question about it. Had to end relationship. Sad.
Great checklist. Had a caregiver who was wonderful but would not administer or touch rx's. Not good.. Upon further questioning learned that her C.M.A. had lapsed and did not renew. Mystery solved. Not the caregiver anymore. Sad...
Good guide for families thinking about taking a much-needed respite--checklist of items to cover for an in-home care person.
Read this once before and intended to type up something to have on hand. Thanks for the reminder. Would certainly make that initial meeting flow better. Thanks
I am in process of finding new companion care and these questions will help with the interview
thank you for great information.
i did not know of all the help that is provided. THNAK YOU.
It confirmed what I already knew. I was looking for validation or anything I might have overelooked.
Great advice...