How to Keep an Eye on Your Senior’s In-Home Caregiver in 7 ways

Some people hire an in-home caregiver for their elderly or senior family members but are not sure about these home caregivers’ care quality. These world people want to make sure that their loved ones are treated with kindness and that all their needs are met.

If you are dealing with the same thoughts, do not worry because it is natural to be nervous about leaving your senior with a stranger. We want to help you ease your mind and be relieved. Therefore, this article will inform you about how to keep an eye on your senior’s in-home caregiver in 7 ways.

Here are 7 different ways to keep an eye on your senior’s in-home caregiver. These methods are simple and practical; however, they need consistency and determination.

Keeping your cool

Taking care of the elderly isn’t easy. It’s important to stay calm, keep your cool, and give the caregiver some time to adjust to their new position and responsibilities. Therefore, it is a good idea to give the caregiver a little time and then start your strict monitoring.

Drop in or call to keep in touch

Dropping in or calling your elder is the simplest way to check up on an in-home caregiver. It would help if you had a schedule for random and unannounced brief visits. It is a wise idea to make this a habit. Do not inform the caregiver or imply the time of your visit. Be consistent with your visits. Try not to do these visits in the first few weeks after the caregiver is hired. Your consistency sends the message that you’re committed and will continue to keep a close eye on your senior’s care.

While you are at your senior’s house, keep your eyes out for any signs that tell you how they have been spending their time at home. Have casual conversations with your elder about their daily routine to learn about their caregiver’s quality and work ethic.

Visiting in person is the best way to do this, but if you are in a position to drop by, try calling your older adult instead. Ask a few questions about what has been happening so you can get a sense of how the day is going, just like when you visit. If your elder is unable to speak, it is still worthwhile for you to talk with the caregiver.

Trust your gut and instincts

This is like a basic rule in almost every area: trust your gut. If something feels wrong and you do not get a good feeling from the caregiver, investigate their background. You can do this by contacting the previous families they worked for. Don’t dismiss your uneasiness as anything or paranoia. A wrong feeling is more than a good reason not to hire someone. You might prevent putting your elder’s life at risk by being patient with your hiring process.

Install in-home surveillance systems

Does the caregiver help your senior with their activities of daily living? Is the caregiver responsible?

You might start worrying about the wellness of your seniors, but it is not possible for you to check up on them every day. Using surveillance systems helps you take more control in these situations. For example, buy a GPS necklace for your elderly (in case they have Alzheimer’s) and track their movements. Install fire alarms to ensure your senior’s safety. You can even use security cameras to keep an eye on the caregiver if you do not trust them completely.

Important note: These surveillance systems must not be abused. They are just there to make sure your seniors are safe and sound. Try to use them discreetly, so the caregiver would not be offended. 

Ask questions and listen to your senior’s feedback

Your senior is a valuable source when it comes to gathering information. You can have casual conversations with them to understand how they how been treated, how they feel about the in-home caregiver, and how the chores around the house are done. Listen openly and without any judgment so they can open up and be more honest with you.

Despite the fact that older adults might complain that they don’t want a caregiver, you will probably be able to understand the difference between everyday complaints and signs of problems with the caregiver. If you notice anything odd or suspicious in their talks, do not ignore it and investigate the matter further.

Ask for a daily log

Request a daily journal from the caregiver. Ask them to write everything related to their routine briefly. Among the details they should be records about your older adult’s mood, appetite, prescriptions, and bathroom visits. They can also mention any problems, injuries, requests, or questions for you.

Recruit neighbors to keep an eye on things

Please ask your senior adult’s neighbor to watch out for strange activities if they are kind and trustworthy. Ask them to drop in every now and then to see how things are going. You can introduce them to the caregiver as a trusted friend.

How to find good caregivers in Las Vegas near me?

Hiring uneducated caregivers and strangers comes with risks. On the other hand, many people deal with trust issues. Therefore, if you need a trustworthy caregiver, you must hire one from a reliable source. Here at the Health & Care Professional Network, LLC, we provide trained and dedicated caregivers who can take professional care of your seniors and loved ones. For more information, you can read our article about caregivers on our website.

Let’s sum up …

Elderly seniors might have difficulties doing certain activities and make their family members hire an in-home caregiver for them. However, because caregivers are strangers, some people have a hard time trusting them. In this article, we explained some tactics related to how to keep an eye on your senior’s in-home caregiver in 7 ways. You can use these methods to ensure your loved one’s comfort and safety.

If you have any other practical tips or methods to keep an eye on caregivers, please share them with us in the comment section.