How to Increase Safety Supervision Without Increasing Agitation or Frustration

Acting as a caregiver for an elderly loved one can be a humbling and rewarding experience. It can also be a time-consuming or even stressful endeavor. For those with full-time jobs, their own families, and other responsibilities, it can be particularly challenging to manage the varied needs of a senior simultaneously. It can become more overwhelming when their elderly loved one begins to require more supervision or assistance. Hiring professional caregivers is already a delicate situation regarding safety supervision. However, if the senior in question is also prone to agitation or frustration with changes, it is important to approach it with extra compassion and care. 

Be Transparent and Have Discussions Early About Safety Supervision

Anyone can struggle with a change to their routine or lifestyle. Indeed, the elderly may also wrestle with the idea of losing their independence. Having a caregiver in their home can also feel like an intrusion into their private life. However, be honest about how much the current caregivers can feasibly handle and how an in-home caregiver can provide assistance and make things more manageable for everyone. For instance, if the senior has mobility issues, hiring an in-home caregiver provides assurance that they can navigate their home without issue.

Hiring a professional caregiver from Senior Helpers of Geneva-Aurora should be seen as a benefit. Indeed, it is not the last resort once the primary caregiver has become overwhelmed with too many responsibilities. Preemptively having these discussions gives everyone time to adjust to future changes. It also means there will not be a frantic rush to hire an appropriate caregiver. 

Ask for Feedback

When it is time to make changes to your elderly loved one's routine or safety supervision, it is important to include them in the decision-making process so they feel respected. It should never be a one-sided discussion or decision. The current caregivers should listen to their elderly loved one's opinions and assure them that their concerns are heard. They may worry about having a stranger in their home or address things the family has not considered yet. When everyone works together to find solutions, it can reduce resistance and make the transition easier. Hiring a caregiver for someone experiencing brain change can be more complicated. Having these discussions can help prepare everyone for finding a compatible caregiver. 

Find Professionals They Can Trust With Senior Helpers of Geneva-Aurora

When hiring a caregiver, it is also important to include the senior who benefits from their care in the decision process. It will help them maintain their autonomy if they are able to have a say in the safety supervision process.

If you or someone you know is considering hiring a professional caregiver for an elderly loved one, Senior Helpers of Geneva-Aurora offers a variety of personalized in-home care services throughout Geneva, Aurora, Plainfield, and Oswego, IL. From home safety evaluations, and light housekeeping, to errands, meal preparations, medication reminders, wellness watches, or other assistance, a trained and qualified caregiver can provide the assurance that families need to know their elderly loved one is safe. Contact us today to learn more about how to prepare for in-home care or schedule an in-home assessment.