When to Refer Your Clients. For In Home Personal Care

Transcription

1 When to Refer Your Clients For In Home Personal Care

2 Personal home care provides a caregiver that works in a person s home to assist with every day activities that have become difficult to accomplish. What is In Home Personal Care? Personal home care provides a caregiver that works in a person s home to assist with every day activities that have become difficult to accomplish. The care isn t medical in nature but it pertains more to daily life activities like dressing, showering, shopping, toileting, and companionship. Many times family members are unable to provide this sort of help on a daily basis. Having a personal home care aide come in to help can relieve caretaking stress from the family. Signs That Indicate a Need Cognitive decline or dementia can be especially challenging for a family member responsible for the care of a loved one. When it becomes apparent that your client, or their spouse, is experiencing a mental decline, a tactful conversation about making life more comfortable can be very beneficial to them. This is especially true if the person is battling Alzheimer s or dementia. Addressing the need for in home personal care provides relief for family members of your client as well. Why Refer? Addressing the Issue Directly When to Refer Your Clients for In Hom Personal Care Page 2 Signs to Look For When Referring Clients for Personal Home Care:» Chronic illness, diabetes or cancer» Your client is in the hospital after sustaining a fall» Recent death of a spouse has brought on loneliness» They are in a rehab hospital after a joint replacement or other surgery» Family members notice that your client has become forgetful or developing cognitive issues

3 Independence Living at home and driving the car define independence for many elders. Taking away the keys to the car is like cutting off a lifeline. Having a caregiver to provide transportation can lessen the loss of independence and ease the burden on the family. Mental Health Depression and anxiety are common in people as they age. We get confused when we can t remember simple details. Loneliness takes a toll on our spirits, especially after the loss of a loved one. The joyful companionship of a caregiver can make spirits soar. Body Conditioning Movement is essential to the body s well being! Encouragement from a caregiver will often motivate their client to participate in physical activity. Why Refer? Addressing the Issue Directly You may be wondering if this is beyond the scope of your relationship with your client. Consider the following benefits to your client: Safety Routine daily activities may begin to become dangerous. Lifting heavy items or taking out the garbage can become difficult for elders at a certain stage. Having a caregiver to assist with these common tasks can make the difference between staying at home and a visit to the hospital. Falls are the biggest threat to anyone older than 70 years old. When to Refer Your Clients for In Hom Personal Care Page 3 Personal Hygiene As people age, they sometimes lose focus on personal hygiene. Often it just takes a simple reminder from a caregiver to get them in for their shower. Peace of Mind For the Family When a family member needs care, lives are disrupted. In home caregivers give the family confidence that they can provide care while balancing their own lives.

4 How to Raise the Issue with Your Client Broaching a subject this sensitive can be awkward. A client s long term care and planning for the future are certainly appropriate topics for a professional to have with their client. If nothing else, your client will be grateful that you cared enough to raise the issue with them. Advising with Trust Because of the enduring nature of the relationship between a client and a trusted advisor, you may be the voice your client is most likely to hear in troubled times. Referring a reputable personal home care provider may be the most compassionate courtesy you can extend to your clients. When the time comes to make this type of referral, you can do so with the confidence that you are protecting the quality of life of your client. If you approach the topic with tact and tenderness, the conversation can greatly enhance your relationship. There is no better way to add value to the advice that they have come to rely on from the beginning. When to Refer Your Clients for In Hom Personal Care Page 4

5 Contact Custom Caregivers Today! We invite you to contact us any time regarding the specific needs of your clients. During the assessment we will: conduct an in-depth evaluation of your client s lifestyle review current medical conditions discuss the kind of assistance that will be needed to help them remain independent at home Please feel free to contact us with referrals of any of your clients that require additional care while at home or have the family contact us directly to schedule a consultation and assessment. Custom Caregivers (972) If you approach the topic with tact and tenderness, a conversation about in home care can greatly enhance your relationship. There is no better way to add value to the advice that they have come to rely on from the beginning. When to Refer Your Clients for In Hom Personal Care Page 5