Ways to Monitor a Loved One's In-Home Caregiver. How Do You Know if They are Doing a Good Job?
People today plan for long-term health care well before they retire. However, you may have a parent or other family member who is already in a care situation. Think about the caregiver? Are they doing a good job? If you are worried about leaving your older family member with a new in-home caregiver you can use these five ways to observe their work discreetly and perhaps give you peace of mind in the process.
People require long-term care services for many reasons due to an illness, accident, or just the impact of aging. Many of us will need a caregiver, and the job isn't easy, even for professionals.
Here are five discreet ways for you and your family to check on your loved one's hired caregiver - 5 Ways to Keep an Eye on Your Senior's In-Home Caregiver – DailyCaring.
Today's Technology is Helpful
Technology, however, can make watching over your loved ones and their caregivers a little easier even if you don't live nearby. Things like GPS, cameras, phone applications, robotics, emergency response systems, and other technology can be very beneficial.
The National Council for Aging Care gives you these hints: 7 Ways Technology Has Improved Senior Care | Aging.com
Video monitoring can also help monitor the caregiver and the care recipient with a live feed you and other family members can view at any time. It can also help provide feedback to help caregivers reduce the caregiving burden and provide better care. Usually, the caregiver would be aware that video monitoring is taking place and can be used to help them.
Look for the Signs
Look for signs that your loved one is thriving under the care of the caregiver - or that your loved one may not be taken care of properly. Does your loved one look like they have been appropriately dressed, kept clean, and engaged with regularly?
Is the caregiver executing the plan of care adequately? Is the family getting feedback from other sources, like the care recipient's doctor, a visiting nursing, or other friends and family that may interact with your loved one?
Sometimes the care recipient can provide feedback; however, remember the feedback could be negative if the caregiver makes sure your loved one remains active, takes medication, and eats properly.
Communication is essential. Is the caregiver communicating with the family and keeping them updated in a timely fashion? If you have medical power of attorney for your loved one, you should expect to be informed on how your parent is doing each day.
It Starts With Finding Good Caregivers
Quality caregivers will benefit everyone. These LTC NEWS guides can be helpful when you are attempting to keep your loved one at home:
If your family member owns Long-Term Care Insurance, be sure to use the benefits. Sometimes people fail to start using the benefits from a policy because they want to "wait to a rainy day." The only day we have guaranteed is yesterday. Get the benefits they are entitled to and don't delay.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you, or a loved one, complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Lots of People Getting Older
The census bureau says over 43 million seniors in the United States over age 65 and 76 million baby boomers are not yet seniors. These include the so-called late-boomers. Plus, add Generation X, and there is a huge number of people getting older.
Because of longevity and the advancements in medical science, many of these people, you are probably one of them, will need help with everyday activities of daily living or supervision due to memory loss.
Give your family peace of mind with an advance plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging. Aging happens, and being prepared for future declining health and the consequences of longevity will ease family stress.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance gives you access to your choice of quality care as it reduces the burden to family members. It also reduces financial worry.
Long-term health care costs have increased dramatically, especially since COVID-19. Quality in-home care providers will not be cheap. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can show you the current and future costs of all types of long-term care services where you live.
LTC Insurance Will Be Very Helpful for You and Your Family
Many Long-Term Care Insurance policies will even pay for some of the technology allowing a person to stay at home and enjoy more freedom and independence.
Make affordable Long-Term Care Insurance part of your future retirement plan. You can easily safeguard your 401(k), IRA, 403(b), and other savings from the high costs and burdens of long-term care. When you require care in the future your family will be worried. Don't place the full responsibility of caregiving - or managing care - on your loved ones. Long-Term Care Insurance will give those you love the time to be family instead of being caregivers.
Plus, many LTC Insurance plans include case management to help your family manage your plan of care.
The best time to plan is before your retirement, when premiums are very affordable and your good health gives you the most options. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.