Managing long-term care needs can be challenging during the holidays. This is especially true if you find that a caregiver you have built a strong relationship with is unavailable. Here are some helpful tips for finding a temporary solution for making sure your loved one's needs are met until your favorite caregiver returns to work!
Choose Multiple Preferred Caregivers
Having one favorite caregiver allows your loved one to form a stronger relationship with the person they will come to depend on more and more over time. However, it is important to remember that a caregiver also has a life outside of work. They will not necessarily be available whenever you want them to be. Is this the first holiday season that your loved one is receiving assistance from a caregiver? Be intentional about finding two or three top choices for caregivers. This can significantly increase your likelihood of having someone you trust available during future holiday seasons.
Even if you would prefer to stick with your favorite over the next several weeks, there is still time to meet other potential caregivers that may work well for you to ensure that your loved one does not have to spend the holidays with someone they do not know at all.
Determine What You Need From an Unfamiliar Caregiver
Now may not be the most ideal time to select a new caregiver for the holidays. However, thinking about what your must-haves in a caregiver are can increase your chances of finding someone that will work reasonably well for you.
Consider your loved one's major health needs and daily routine. This is an important step in finding someone that can provide a relatively smooth transition. Differentiate what you absolutely need from your caregiver from what extras you would like. This is an important step in avoiding any major mishaps during the holidays. This is also particularly important if you find yourself working with a caregiver that you are not very familiar with.
Plan an Extended Visit
Caring for your loved one yourself may not work for you long term. However, you may be able to step in if your schedule is a bit more relaxed. Of course, this will depend on your loved one's needs and your other responsibilities. You may be able to care for them in your home or in theirs over the holidays. Either of these can be more comfortable for both of you than adjusting to a new caregiver.
You may also be able to have your loved one stay with you even if you do not feel capable of managing all their needs on your own and get a bit of extra assistance from a local caregiver. Handling your loved one's needs while you are already spending time with them can be a more natural adjustment than you might expect, especially if they do not yet require a significant amount of assistance.
At Senior Helpers of Lee's Summit, we are here to help seniors and their families in the Lee's Summit, Kansas City, and Blue Springs areas navigate a variety of long-term care needs throughout the year. Contact us to learn more about how we can help if your favorite caregiver is not available during the holidays!