Information you need to provide to the home health care aide

So you have a senior living all alone? You understand he needs assisted living. A nursing home doesn't seem like the right move. You wish to let him live independently for as long as possible. Senior care at home seems like a good option. You have a list various agencies in your locality that provide in-home health care. You have decided to purchase home health care service for your loved one. What next?

Weigh the pros and cons of hiring senior home care service from an agency against that from an individual. Hiring individuals is often cheaper and there is a personal touch. Sometimes, a senior may prefer hiring an individual just because he/she is of the same race and may make him feel more comfortable. Hiring from a home health agency may prove to be expensive for some. But they provide trained workers who value professionalism.

Once you have decided from where you want to purchase senior health care services, before the job formally begins, spend some time with the person who will actually be providing the in-home nursing. Discuss what will be involved in the daily routine. Tell the home health care aide (both verbally and in writing) the following things he/she needs to know about the senior:

• Illnesses or injuries
• Signs of a emergency medical situation
• Likes and dislikes
• Medications - how and when they have to be taken
• Need for eyeglasses, dentures, walkers etc.
• Possible behavioral problems
• Special diets or nutritional needs
• Therapeutic exercises
• Problems in getting around

In addition, tell the person

• How you can be contacted
• Who else to contact in case of an emergency
• How to lock the apartment and where to find the keys
• How to find utensils and serving items
• Where to look for cleansing supplies
• Where the fuse box is located, in case of a power cut