• By celia barrymore
• Published 02/6/2013

Do you need to appoint a caregiver for an elderly parent? To find an answer to this question, you need to focus on the factors that matter. If you are aware of the things you need to keep in mind to ensure that an elderly parent stays comfortable and safe, it becomes easy to make a decision in this regard.

Does your elderly parent stay on their own or with you? It may be easier to take care of your elderly parents if they stay with you and your family. However, if they stay on their own, it may not always be possible for you to handle the care responsibilities on your own.  

Are you the only caregiver or are others in the family involved in the care of the elderly individual? If you are the only one responsible for the care arrangements of an elderly parent, it may be difficult for you to tackle it single-handedly. If you cannot enlist the help of other family members for this, you may need to appoint a home care provider.

How much time can you stay with the elderly individual?

If you have personal or professional responsibilities, you may not have adequate time to devote to the elderly parent. Loneliness may often lead to depression in an elderly individual. It is better to appoint a companion if you cannot be with your elderly parent at all times.  

Do you know the right way to care for an elderly individual? If your parent has a progressive illness, such as Alzheimer’s, or a chronic condition, such as arthritis, you may not be able to handle the stress of round the clock care on your own. Moreover, you may  not have the knowledge of the right way to take care of such an individual.

Do you have the necessary training? If you are unaware of how to handle and move an elderly parent with mobility problems or how to look after an elderly parent with diabetes, it may be difficult for you to provide appropriate and adequate care. However, a trained care provider can handle such situations with ease.

If you are still not sure whether to appoint a caregiver for your elderly parent, a professional care assessment may help you make a decision. For this, you need to get in touch with a service that offers care for the elderly. Ask them whether a no obligation care assessment is available.

The care assessment is often available at no cost to the care recipient’s family. However, it is better to enquire about this before you opt for it. To complete the assessment, a professional caregiver or care manager visits the elderly individual, and the family caregiver, and asks him/her numerous questions.

You need not feel guilty about your decision to appoint a caregiver. After all, the most important thing is to ensure the comfort and safety of your elderly parent. When you appoint a skilled and trained caregiver, you can be sure of this. It ensures your peace of mind regarding the health and well-being of your elderly parent.

Author Bio

Celia Barrymore has long been associated with a Cork care agency specialising in elderly care services. She provides a brief overview of the factors that affect your decision about when to appoint a caregiver from a homecare in Ireland for an elderly parent.

Hello, myself Celia Barrymore. I am a health blogger and doing the same for a long time. To know more about me…..please visit my website!!!!