You've made the decision to let an aide come into your home to assist.
That was hard enough. Now you re getting apprehensive about what to expect
when the aide arrives for work. If you don't have experience with in-home
assistance, all sorts of "worst case scenarios" are whirling
about in your head. And then there are the questions. What should you do
if you don't like the aide?
How should you approach problems? Who supervises the aide? Assuming that
you have hired an aide from a home health care agency, you can expect a
lot of support in easing your anxieties. It is the agency's job to answer
your questions in advance and resolve any issues that arise. The key to
facilitating your satisfaction and comfort is good communication with the
agency management and with your aide.
Here are a few tips for establishing positive relationships with your home
health care professionals:
Be completely honest about your needs
Overcome any embarrassment or guilt associated with describing why you
need help and what kind of help you need. Remember that you are dealing
with professionals who have helped a variety of clients. They are
experienced in meeting the needs of people just like you. Home Health Care
professionals are prepared to deal with tough situations such as
Alzheimer's, alcoholism, Parkinson's, strokes, incontinence and stressful
family circumstances.
State your preferences from the start
The best way to get exactly what you want is to be specific. Give a
detailed request to the agency so that the aide they send will meet your
needs. Items to include are your household rules, such as "no
smoking" or "kosher kitchen". Also express your daily
routines and how to follow the, such as "up at 7 a.m.",
"breakfast first, medicine second, shower last" , "I need
privacy from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.", "transportation to salon every
Friday, using employee's car".
Give feedback to the agency on a timely basis
"Nip it in the bud," is good advice. Most problems start out
small and can be best resolved when addressed promptly. If you are
experiencing a problem with the aide, call the agency. This benefits you
in two ways: you do not have to be involved in reprimanding the aide, and
it prompts the agency to diplomatically resolve the problem. Employee
supervision is the responsibility of the agency. If the problem cannot be
resolved to your satisfaction, request the agency send a different aide.
The agency will handle the hiring and firing for you.
If you start off with honesty and communication, having a home health care
aide will be a successful and beneficial experience.
Kim Champion is the owner of Champion Home Health
Care, Inc,., 1901 N. Federal Hwy. #205, Boca Raton, FL 33431. (561)
347-0440 in Boca Raton or (561) 776-0203 in Palm Beach.
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