Enjoying the Comforts of Home

If you have an adult in your life that needs 24-hour in-home elderly care, good planning and communication can make a big difference in the quality of care they receive. With care needed 24 hours a day, there are going to be several caregivers in the home on a regular basis. You will want to identify what the care needs are, plan meals for your loved one, schedule appointments as needed, and provide a way for caregivers to communicate throughout the week. When each caregiver has the opportunity to create and review care notes, it becomes easy for everyone to know what goes on in the home from day to day.

Identify Ongoing Care Needs

Before care can be set up for your loved one, an evaluation will need to be done in order to assess what the specific care needs are. You will have the ability to discuss the care needs you have identified and talk about any care you have been providing already. It is important to continually evaluate ongoing care needs and look for ways to improve care if you find an area that is lacking.

Set Up a Caregiver Journal

The best way for all caregivers to communicate with one another is to set up a caregiver journal. This can be informal, but should include information on what meals were served, any activities that were done, and if any appointments are needed. The journal makes it easy to keep track of meal planning and provides a space for caregivers to ask questions that don't need an immediate answer. If you are the party responsible for managing the care needs, you will want to read the journal consistently to answer questions.

List Any Emergency Information in a Conspicuous Place

It is important to everyone's safety to have emergency contact information visible. You will want to provide your phone number, other emergency contact numbers, and local fire, police, and ambulance services. Most people provide such a list and keep it on the refrigerator where it is accessible. Important paperwork, such as a DNR, healthcare proxy, or insurance card should all be easily accessible to caregivers.

When you have a loved one that needs 24-hour home care, staying organized is important. Pay attention to care needs by reading the communication journal, and update caregivers in the event care needs change. Your loved one can remain at home indefinitely when they get the care they need to stay healthy.

For more information on 24-hour in-home elderly care, contact a professional near you.