When a loved one can no longer care for themselves, coordinating care for them is the next logical step. Whether your loved one is an aging parent or a family member recovering from surgery, arranging care for someone is a major responsibility. The good news is this process doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. In this post, we’ll discuss the meaning of ‘coordinating care,’ what values to look for in a caregiver, and what steps to take next to ensure that your loved one is properly cared for.
Coordinating Care Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
A lot goes into coordinating care for someone, but these tasks don’t have to be difficult. If you know what to look for in a caregiver and have assistance from a health care advocate, you can have your loved one taken care of in no time.
Not all caregivers are exactly alike. Some provide very different services ranging from part-time care to full-time, live-in care. Before searching for a caregiver, it’s important to understand how much assistance your loved one truly needs. If you’re unable to make this determination yourself, you can contact a health care advocate for advice. They can also assist you in selecting a caregiver that has the experience and values necessary to be great at their job.
Important Things to Look for in a Caregiver
There are three values you should prioritize in a potential caregiver. These values are patience, compassion, and integrity. Patience is a key value and trait that every caregiver needs the most, as assisting those who are mentally or physically challenged can take time. Attempting to rush patients could result in them feeling belittled or uncomfortable.
Compassion is also important, as being a great caregiver requires one to notice, empathize, and respond to their patient’s needs. A caregiver must also be honest and have the integrity to do what they know is right, even if they receive pushback from the patient or their loved ones. Someone who has all three of these qualities will stand out as a great caregiver.
Make the Right Choice When Coordinating Care
If you plan on being a caregiver to a loved one, prioritizing those three values in yourself is essential. You should also be aware of another five things when taking care of an elderly person specifically.
Does your work-life balance allow you to dedicate the time necessary to be a capable caretaker? Can other family members assist in some way? Is your elderly loved one okay with the care plan being discussed? Are you in a good place in your life financially, physically, and emotionally? Finally, do you have the experience and/or training necessary to give them the care they require?
If these questions leave you feeling uncertain about your ability to care for a loved one, that’s okay. Being a caregiver is no easy task, especially when you have other responsibilities or health issues of your own. Now might be the time to seek outside help in coordinating your loved one’s care.
Coordinating Care Is More Than Selecting a Caregiver
More goes into coordinating care than finding the right caregiver, but knowing what values to look for is a meaningful start. Thankfully, there are organizations that can help you through every step of arranging care for your loved one, whether they need a part-time caregiver, a live-in caregiver, or end-of-life care.
Care Weavers Will Coordinate Care on Your Behalf
Care Weavers are health care advocates that assist in coordinating care for people who are unable to care for themselves. This could be in the form of crisis management, patient advocacy, general care coordination, or an end-of-life doula. We’re passionate about helping you and your loved ones navigate this potentially stressful time.
If you’re interested in our services, please contact us by calling (704) 577-2096 or filling out our online form. We’d be happy to answer your questions and provide a free 15-minute consultation. For more advocacy insights and information, you can also access our resources page.