If you are working while also providing care for an older adult (or an individual with special needs), you know that every day is filled with challenges. Each aspect of your life requires attention, focus, and especially time.
“The two of the most frequent questions I hear are, 'When is it time to bring in additional home care help? And how can it be found,'” says Barb Mulay, manager of the U-M Work-Life Resource Center. “I always advise that the situation is unique for everyone, but there are some good guidelines to help you make your decision.”
One of the first things to do is to assess your loved one’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), or the basic skills needed to properly care for oneself and meet one’s physical needs in the area of eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, continence, and mobility. This Aging Care article offers more detail about what ADLs are, how to take an honest look at making an assessment.
If you’ve decided that you need to have more support to care for your loved one, you have several options.
“For some people, reaching out to friends and family members could be enough to provide the companionship and care that is needed, but sometimes, professional support is a better choice,” adds Mulay. “There are in-home agencies that help you find trained caregivers.”
Hiring an in-home care agency or professional caregiver can bring about its own set of questions. For answers, a good place to start is the local Area Agency on Aging. There are more than 600 offices around the country. All have the mission to help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Another great resource is this article on How to Select an In-Home Care Agency. It provides suggestions and questions to ask when interviewing a Home Care Company. Tips include asking about cost, time requirements, certifications, background checks, and ideas on how to choose specific caregivers.
For more information on eldercare support, contact the Work-Life Resource Center ([email protected]) or visit our Elder Care website at https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/work-life/elder-care.
