Do you need help caring for your loved one with Alzheimer's at home? (In-Home Care) Let's talk!

Does your mother, father, or a loved one suffer from dementia, a condition like Alzheimer's? Keeping them at home and taking care of them with love is a great privilege and a great responsibility. But sometimes it can be difficult for you to do all this alone. You also need a break. So, you may be thinking about finding someone to help you with these tasks, a caregiver. This is a very important decision. Let's see how to do this exactly.

Simply put, there are two main types of home care services. One is provided by people with medical training, and the other is services that help with general daily tasks.

• Home Health Care: This is for people who need the help of a professional health worker, such as a nurse. For example, after a hospital stay, to clean wounds, administer medications, or provide physical therapy. These people usually have a nursing degree or equivalent.
• General In-Home Care: This includes things like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and helping with toileting. They also help with security because they can't be left alone. This can include things like doing small chores around the house or going to the store to pick up groceries.

It is very important to first decide what kind of service you need.

How do you find a partner who suits your needs?

Before you hire someone to help you around the house, make a list of exactly what you expect from them. Ask yourself questions like these:

• Do you need help with bathing, dressing, feeding, or taking your loved one to the bathroom?
• Do you need to give medication on time and check vital signs, such as blood pressure? (For something like this, you need to find someone with some medical training).
• Do you also need to do housework, gardening, and cooking?
• Do you want to go see the doctor or take him on other trips?
• Are you looking for someone like a friend who can talk to your loved one and help them avoid loneliness?

Be clear about these needs with anyone you interview. Also, think about what kind of person your loved one prefers. For example, consider whether they prefer women or men, and whether they have any language preferences.

Next, you have to decide whether to hire someone through an agency or find someone directly yourself.

Choosing an assistant through an agency and hiring in person

Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at them.

Questions to ask an agency

• Is your agency registered?
• How do you check the background of your employees?
• What training have they received? Do they know about first aid?
• Can we interview the employee we are sending in advance?
• Can you send the same employee every day?
• If the person who is coming is unable to come, will you send someone in their place? Is there an additional fee for that?
• What is the procedure for reporting a problem?

Questions to ask a person in private

• What is your experience? Have you cared for someone with dementia before?
• What training do you have? Do you know about first aid?
• Can you work patiently even with someone who is restless and agitated?
• What days and times can I work?
• What is your expected salary?
• Can you provide the details needed to check your background?
• Can I get references from previous places of employment?

After finding the right person and starting the work...

Whether you choose someone through an agency or privately, take some time to see if that person is a good match for your loved one.

During the interview, pay close attention to how the person talks and behaves with your loved one. Are they patient? Are they understanding of the nature of the illness? If possible, agree to a trial run of one to two weeks before signing a long-term contract.

Once you start working, give your new assistant a clear written list of dos and don'ts. Make it clear that you won't be doing things like coming in late or using your phone unnecessarily during work. Also, educate your new assistant about your loved one's habits, likes and dislikes, and ways to calm them down.

What do you do if you have a problem or suspect abuse?

If a problem arises, talk to your partner directly about it calmly and respectfully. Work together to come up with a plan to resolve the issue. If you were hired through an agency, talk to the agency's supervisor.

However, if you suspect any abuse, neglect, or theft, don't take it lightly.

• If your loved one is in an accident, call 119 immediately and inform the police.
• If there is no emergency, but you suspect abuse or neglect, report it to your local police or social services. You can also talk to your family doctor for advice on what to do about it.

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