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The Top 5 Considerations When Deciding on a Home Care Agency for Mom

Home Care in Monroeville PA

Mom’s been independent all of her life. Now that she’s getting older, though, it seems that she needs more help with the activities of daily living. Perhaps she’s finally decided to stop driving, or perhaps she’s had an injury. She’s not ready to give up the comforts of home, but it’s become obvious that she needs help. What are some things to be considered in finding the right home care
agency?

 

1.     Peace of Mind. While it may be tempting to hire someone independently who put an ad out on Craigslist, the fact is that hiring an agency brings peace of mind. They do all the background investigations, provide insurance, handle the tax implications for the employee, and have the ability to find replacements or substitutes when needed.

 

2.     Cost Considerations. As painful as it is to admit, and while no one would ever put a price on Mom’s safety or comfort, cost has to be a consideration and so it is worth speaking to more than one agency. It may be an expense, but after all, this is the woman who dedicated her life to her family. She’s worth the cost of finding a reputable reliable service that will give the care to her she gave to others while keeping her dignity intact.

 

3.     Comfort. Mom raised her kids, taught them how to eat and dress themselves and will likely object to a “stranger” coming in to help her with her daily living activities. A trained professional will know how to work with her to help ease the transition and can adjust as Mom’s needs do. That person will have the skills, knowledge, and experience to become a trusted companion instead of a stranger.

 

4.     Changing Needs. Mom right now may only need help with a few things, perhaps laundry or meal preparation, but her needs may change over the coming days, weeks, months or even years. Will the agency under consideration be willing and able to expand their services as her needs change?

 

5.     Communications. Will there be a single person the agency will send in on a regular basis, or rotating staff? If there’s a problem, who is the right person to talk to and what is the best way to communicate with them? A successful home care relationship requires open and transparent communications between Mom, the family, and the caregiver as well as the agency.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Monroeville, PA, please call and talk to the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Pittsburgh at (412) 693-6009. We will answer all of your questions.

 

Stephen Sternbach

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