Whether you've heard horror stories in the past, or you're just looking at making sure that you are prepared in starting your search for home care, you should take a look at educating yourself on what is okay or not okay with caregivers and their roles. Most people don't know where that line is in home care, unless trained in it themselves, so take the time that you need to make sure that you understand where that line is for okay behavior versus not-okay behavior when searching throughout the Tampa area. Here are 5 things that a home caregiver should never do.
1. Doing tasks other than those on a contract : There are set tasks that you and your loved ones will haveset up in terms of what you want done for care or not done. When it comes to this contract, the caregiver should stick to it to the letter. If they are working on tasks outside of that contract, it's a sign that you should be looking at that contract a little closer to determine why they aren't following instructions. From there you can decide to discontinue employment or address the contract.
2. Obsessive use of a cell phone : Everyone is seemingly tethered to their phone these days, even in alarming situations such as driving, but when you have a caregiver in your loved one's home, you are expecting them to be a professional. This means that you can expect them to be attentive to your loved one and their needs instead of their cell phone. They're at work and should always act like it.
3. Making all decisions for the senior : While the contract exists between you and the caregiver, the senior also needs to have a substantial say in what is going to be done. This includes meal decision, clothing decisions, or even daily activity suggestions. The senior should have a voice in the relationship and if this is not the case, than it may mean that your caregiver is overstepping their bounds.
4. Degrading the senior : While a lot of people are known for down-talking to a senior in their life, it's important that caregiver is not making your loved one feel ashamed or stupid or anything else while taking care of them. Some shame with bathroom accidents or bathing support are always going to be uncomfortable especially at first, but there is a difference between awkwardness or discomfort a the beginning, and shaming the senior for requiring support or help.
5. Making communication difficult : The senior may be chatty or may not be, but a caregiver should do their role in engaging in conversation and listening to what the senior has to say. This is part of their role. While it isn't a therapy situation, some empathy and understanding to their needs is critical to making sure that the senior feels cared-for emotionally as well as physically.
These are not intended to scare you while on your hunt for home care in Tampa, but they are things to watch for in terms of keeping your loved one safe, cared-for and enjoying a good quality of life above all else. You should use this list to help lead you down the right path to successful home care searches and don't settle for anything less than what makes both you and your senior comfortable.
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