Choosing the right care option for your senior parent can improve their quality of life and speed up recovery. In-home care is one of the best care options today. Instead of sending your parent to a retirement home, you allow them to receive care at home. The ability to live and receive treatment in familiar surroundings enables seniors to recover at their own pace. However, before you get there, you need to prepare for home care. Here are a few steps to consider when getting started with the process.

Discuss Home Care With Your Parent

Before setting up in-home care for your parent, it's essential to discuss this critical step with them. Although your loved one will live in familiar surroundings, the idea of having a nurse at home is something they need to get used to. It may feel like an invasion of privacy. Thus, talk to them about the importance of this step and why it rivals other care options such as senior living facilities. This allows them to prepare emotionally for the process and transition smoothly into home care.

Involve Your Loved One in the Interview Process

An important step is finding the right caregiver for your elderly parent. This process is vigorous, and it often involves interviewing several potential caregivers. It's essential to involve your parent in the interview process. At the very least, let them sit in the room as you vet the viable candidates. Before choosing the best one, ask your parent for their opinion. They are more likely to embrace home care if they like the person caring for and treating them.

Determine Care Needs

In-home care entails various levels of care depending on the needs of the patient. For example, seniors who are capable of independent living may need help with household chores such as cooking and cleaning. Those with mobility issues might need help with moving around, bathing, eating, and taking their medication. Others require assistance to administer treatment. Thus, you need to determine the precise needs of your parent. This way, you can find a competent caregiver and get the right care for your parent.

Consider an Audition Period

In-home care may be a lifelong service for seniors. Thus, the caregiver you choose will care for your parent for a long time. It's essential to ask for a trial period before committing to a long-term contract. A trial period can be anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Stick around to monitor the level of care offered during this period. At the end of the audition, discuss the outcome with your loved one. If you aren't satisfied with the service, you can find a different caregiver. 

Follow these steps when preparing your senior parent for in-home care!