A internal caregiver is a person hired to provide ongoing care and assistance to a person in their home. Unlike an external caregiver who works during specific hours and then leaves, an internal caregiver residesin the home of the person to be cared for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (with the exception of breaks stipulated by agreement, in which she can leave the home). This allows you to provide constant attention and respond to the person’s needs at any time.
But when it comes tohiring a person for such long hours there are many reservations or concerns about hiring a private live-in caregiver. Here we discuss some of them and how to resolve them so that both the person to be cared for and the family can be calmer.
What are the main concerns for hiring a live-in caregiver
- Competence and experience: It is essential to ensure that the live-in caregiver has the necessary training and experience to properly care for the elderly person. Asking about their work history and checking references can help ensure that the person has the right knowledge and skills for the job.
- Compatibility: The elderly or dependent person and the live-in caregiver will spend a lot of time together, so it is important that there is good personal compatibility. This involves considering aspects such as personality, interests and the way of interacting. A good relationship between the elderly person and the caregiver can greatly contribute to the emotional and mental well-being of the former.
- Trust and security: The live-in caregiver will have access to the home and daily life of the elderly person. Making sure that the caregiver is trustworthy is essential to guarantee the safety of the person being cared for, especially if they are in a vulnerable situation.
- Supervision and management: Hiring a live-in caregiver involves establishing a supervision and management system to ensure that tasks are carried out appropriately and efficiently. It is important to clearly define responsibilities and expectations from the beginning.
- Schedules and breaks: The live-in caregiver’s schedules and breaks must be adequately planned and agreed upon. This includes defining work schedules, rest hours and days off. Ensuring that the caregiver has enough time to rest and recover is essential to avoid burnout.
- Cost: Hiring a live-in caregiver has an associated cost that can vary depending on the location and experience of the caregiver. It is important to evaluate the family budget and make sure the costs are sustainable in the long term.
- Clear expectations: It is essential to establishclear expectations from the beginning in terms of tasks, responsibilities and rules of coexistence. This will help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.
- Flexibility: Flexibility is important since the needs of the elderly person can change over time. Ensuring that the live-in caregiver is willing to adapt to changing needs is essential for effective care.
- Substitutions and replacements: In the event that the live-in caregiver is unable to work due to illness or other circumstances, it is important to have a contingency plan to ensure continuity of care.
- Open communication: Establishing open and constant communication with the live-in caregiver is crucial. This allows issues and concerns to be addressed in a timely manner and ensure that both the senior and the caregiver feel heard and supported.
How to select a caregiver for the elderly?
Selecting a caregiver for elderly and/or dependent people involves several key steps. Firstly, it is essential to evaluate the specific needs of the person to be cared for in terms of care required, schedules and necessary skills. Looking for candidates with experience in senior care and relevant skills, such as healthcare or daily activities, is crucial.
Verifyingreferences and work history is an important measure to ensure the reliability and quality of work of the caregivers. Furthermore, it is essential to look for a caregiver whose personality and values are compatible with those of the person to be cared for to guarantee a harmonious relationship.
Conducting interviews or get-to-know-you sessions with candidates is an effective way to evaluate their professionalism, empathy, and ability to do the job.
In some cases, considering hiring through care agencies or home care companies is an effective solution to ensure that the profile fits the needs of the person and the family.
In addition, hiring a caregiver through a home care company will also guarantee that you have all the documentation, hiring and payroll management service in order. It also provides a guarantee in the case of substitution or replacement, both temporary and permanent.
Maintaining open and constant communication with the selected caregiver is essential to ensure that the care provided is effective, satisfactory, and constantly adapting to the patient’s changing needs.
