When trying to find the best caregiver for your parent, family home care services experts suggest that it can be similar to an online dating search. You are looking for the right person who is going to spend intimate time with your parent and your family. It is important to know what your parent’s needs are, and when possible, your mom or dad should be part of the selection process. Before you even begin the selection process, list what your mother or father needs. Start with the basics and fill in everything else.

If your parent is in need of personal care, bathing, dressing or toileting, the individual or individuals who will be caring for your loved one must be capable of providing this assistance. Family home care services offer support and guidelines when hiring someone to care for your parent. It’s essential that your mother or father feels comfortable and gets to know the person before be placing them directly in their care. This individual will be an extension of the family and developing a harmonious relationship is important in maintaining your parent’s wellness.

Acknowledging the need for care for your mom or dad is often difficult. Family home care services experts will help you determine the level of support both your parent and the family may need. It is possible that your mother or father is more capable than you perceive and personal care is not required. However, light housekeeping or meal prep could be the answer. That list of needs is the key ingredient to help not only you and your parent determine who the right caregiver is but what kind of caregiving is needed.

When in doubt, ask the question, create your list and share it with the experts who work with family home care services.