Get the Most Out of a Free Home Care Consultation
If you’re considering in-home personal care services for a senior loved one, you probably have a lot of questions about scheduling options, costs, subsidies, public programs, our services provided, caregiver qualifications, and whether in-home care is the best choice. And, with the variety of senior care options available, you might even feel a bit overwhelmed.
A free in-home care consultation with a Senior Homecare by Angels care coordinator is one of the best ways to learn about personal care services provided by our compassionate, professional caregivers.
Our care coordinators offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations designed to answer your questions and provide expert guidance to help you navigate the care decision-making process — giving you peace of mind without added pressure.
Here are a few things you need to know to help you and your loved one get the most out of your free home care consultation:
What is the Purpose of an In-Home Personal Care Consultation?
An in-home consultation provides an opportunity to learn about Senior Homecare by Angels’ services and ask any questions you may have. The consultation helps our care coordinators get to know you and your loved one and understand any specific care needs.
How to Prepare for an In-Home Personal Care Consultation
The most important step is letting your senior loved one know you are considering hiring an in-home caregiver. The home care decision can be an emotionally sensitive issue and may be met with objections. If your loved one resists the idea, be sure to listen to his or her opinions and concerns. Emphasize their well-being is your top priority.
Think about your senior’s needs, such as what time of day he/ she needs assistance and what tasks are most challenging. You may also want to review financial situations in advance, so you have an idea of how much to budget for in-home personal care.
It’s also a good idea to make a list of any questions or concerns and bring the list to the consultation.
What Happens During the Consultation?
Our Senior Homecare by Angels’ care coordinator will schedule an in-person meeting with you and your loved one in their home. Although discussing personal care needs may feel embarrassing for your loved one, our compassionate care coordinators are skilled at putting older adults and family caregivers at ease. Topics may include:
• Personal care needs
• Homemaking assistance
• Memory care help
• Emotional care needs
• Scheduling preferences
• Logistics and policies
• Other specific and personal requests
Our in-home consultations also include complimentary home safety and fall-risk assessments, as well as a discussion of your loved one’s specific safety needs. Your care coordinator will answer any questions you may have about caregiver qualifications, safety, oversight, emergency procedures, and other concerns.
What Happens After the Consultation?
Your Senior Homecare by Angels’ care coordinator will use information from the consultation to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to your loved one’s unique needs. The plan will include a care schedule and a description of specific activities and tasks that require caregiver assistance.
Your care coordinator will then arrange a nurse visit and match your loved one with a compatible caregiver. Through our Select Your Caregiver® program, you can be confident your loved one will get a caregiver who is the right fit for their needs and personality.
How Soon Can Home Care Services Begin?
Senior Homecare by Angels caregivers can typically begin providing services within 48 hours of the initial consultation. In some cases, home care services can start the same day.
How Can I Participate in the Consultation if I live Far Away?
If you’re a long-distance caregiver, we’ll conduct a one-on-one in-home consultation with your loved one and a detailed phone consultation with you.
Have any questions about how to assist your elderly loved one or to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to call Senior Homecare by Angels at 403-862-0129 or if outside of Calgary, toll-free at 1-877-209-6142. You may also visit the Contact Us page to complete and submit a simple inquiry form.
Gerry Gatto is a trained health care administrator and the owner of Senior Homecare® By Angels a Calgary based company. Helping Calgary seniors remain in their homes and maintain their independence with the assistance of a dedicated caregiver.