Ensuring Your Parent’s Time with a Respite Care Provider Goes Smoothly

Home Care Services Philadelphia PA

Respite care can be an incredible asset to you as a family caregiver. This type of care allows you to have a home care provider come into the home to be with your parent during a time when you will not be able to maintain your usual care routine. As opposed to a regular care provider who maintains a routine schedule of care with your loved one, a respite care services provider comes in only when you need them and fills care gaps as they arise. Whether it is for a few hours on one afternoon so that you can attend an event with your children or for several days so that you can take a much-needed getaway with your partner and children, this care enables you to do what you need to do without worrying that your parent is not getting the care, support, and encouragement that they need.

As beneficial as respite care can be, however, it can be stressful for you to think about being away from your aging loved one, especially if you are accustomed to a frequent care schedule. Preparing ahead of time can help you to ensure this time is as beneficial and stress-free as possible.

Use these tips to help ensure that your parent’s time with a respite care provider goes smoothly:

• Have care information handy. While you hope that there will be no incidents while you are away, it is possible that your loved one will suffer an illness or injury while you are gone. This will require that the care provider is able to manage the situation properly until you can get back. Set up a folder with all of the information that they might need to handle the situation effectively, such as your parent’s full name, social security number, birthdate, insurance information, and contact information for all members of their care team. Put this folder somewhere easily accessible and let the respite care provider know where to find it if it becomes necessary.
• Make a personal information document. In order for the respite care provider to give your parent the best care possible it is important that they know as much as they can about your parent. Put together a document that includes information such as your parent’s likes and dislikes, any allergies that they may have, interests and activities that they enjoy, and care tips such as the challenges that they have and how you handle them.
• Keep your information available. Just as an ill person tends to feel better once they have made an appointment with their doctor, your nervous parent is likely to feel better just knowing that they can get in touch with you whenever they need you. Be sure to write down as much contact information as you can and post it somewhere readily visible so that your loved one and the respite care provider can easily find it when they need to contact you. This information should include mobile phone numbers, the name and phone number of your hotel, and your itinerary.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Philadelphia PA, please contact the caring staff at Alpine Home Care. In PA call 888-743-0068 . In NJ call (855) 410-1404.