How To Start Home Care For a Loved One

Most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes, but sometimes it can be difficult when they live by themselves and need daily help. Home care can promote dignity and independence for individuals to enable them to live in their home with professional assistance. Our caregivers provide necessary and dedicated care to help older adults maintain their daily routines and continue doing the things they have enjoyed in the past…with a little help from an Angel.

If you’re interested in finding quality and compassionate home care services for your senior loved one, we encourage meeting with a Visiting Angels care coordinator as the first step to discuss family and/or client needs. This meeting includes a detailed review of care needed, requested schedule (if known), specific wishes of the family or client, and any other concerns.

The initial meeting provides an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions, and it enables the home care agency to become acquainted with you as well. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the decisions you need to make, we’ll provide expert guidance and recommendations throughout the entire process to give you peace of mind.

Common Home Care Topics

The following home care issues are commonly discussed during initial meetings:

• Physical Care Needs
  Specific care assistance will be determined for your loved one needs. Home care requests may include bathing and grooming, dressing, meals and diet, mobility, incontinence, etc.
  
  
• Emotional Care Needs 
  Your loved one will receive elderly companion care that includes social interaction, activities, hobbies, conversation, appointments, and camaraderie.
  
  
• Schedules
  A specialized program will be tailored that meets your schedule as well as your loved one, who may need help with sleep, eating and medicine reminders.
  
  
• Homemaking Assistance
  If your loved one is unable to tend to housework or needs a little assistance, we’ll develop program that includes preparation of meals, groceries, linens, laundry, and light housekeeping.
  
  
• Logistics
  We’ll cover everything you need to know about the home care process such as schedules, access to the home, documentation, and the details of how to work with scheduling changes, the office or the caregivers.
  

After the initial consultation, we'll establish a schedule, finalize the care plan, arrange a nurse visit, and match your loved one with a caregiver who best fits your loved one's needs. Generally, services can be provided within a 48-hour period.

Contact your nearest home care location today or call 800-365-4189 with any senior home care questions. Our home care assessments are offered free and with no obligations.