My Journey to Find Compassionate Care for My Parents
In the tranquility of our family home, my parents have always valued their independence, gracefully accepting the challenges that come with aging. Their daily life was a symphony of helpers, each contributing a note to the harmony of their existence. But when illness cast its shadow, disrupting this balance, the need for a constant, reliable presence became undeniable.
Driven by worry, we, their children, came together, intertwining our concerns and hopes into the fabric of decision-making. The quest for a care attendant began, a journey through a landscape filled with promises of commitment and expertise. Agencies, both prominent and modest, showcased their candidates, all claiming a profound sense of service and proficiency in elder care.
Our family found solace in an elder care agency we knew well, that offered a roster of professional profiles. Among the candidates, one stood out—not for their literacy or formal qualifications, but for their palpable sincerity and willingness to serve. We engaged in deep discussions, exploring their understanding of medication management, vital sign tracking, and the nuances of daily caregiving.
We made a choice, selecting a candidate for the following day. However, as hours passed, their absence resonated more profoundly than any words could. A phone call uncovered a simple struggle—the acquisition of a metro ticket. Our patience thinned, and we found ourselves back at the start of our search.
The arrival of another candidate brought a mix of relief and apprehension. We deliberated over the structure of care—should we have one full-time attendant or two to divide the day? Opting for the latter, a choreography of shifts, seemed to harmonize with our household's rhythm, lightening the load on my mother’s-tired shoulders.
Navigating the caregiving terrain revealed a mosaic of qualifications, with many young individuals possessing only a rudimentary education, lacking formal training in the emotional and behavioural aspects of caregiving. We yearned for a partner in this odyssey, someone responsive, who could introduce candidates in person, not just on paper, and provide a level of supervision to maintain standards.
The narrative continues to unfold, the path ahead still shrouded in uncertainty. Yet, our pursuit of compassionate care endures, fuelled by hope and the collective wisdom of those who've walked this road before.
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Guidelines for Choosing a Care Attendant
?As you embark on selecting a care attendant, here are some practical considerations to keep in mind:
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?1. Experience and Training: What is the extent of the candidate's experience? Do they hold any formal qualifications or certifications, especially in the realm of geriatric care?
2. Communication Skills: Can the candidate communicate clearly and effectively? Are they capable of adhering to a care plan and addressing the patient's requirements?
3. Empathy and Attitude: Does the candidate exhibit empathy and a true passion for caregiving? Do they show patience and respect towards the elderly?
4. Reliability: Was the candidate punctual and dependable throughout the selection process? Are they prepared to commit to the necessary schedule?
5. References and Background Checks: Is the candidate able to offer references from past employers? Have they been subjected to a comprehensive background check?
?Seeking Insights from the Community
?I extend an invitation to others to share their experiences in finding a care attendant. Which factors did you emphasize? What insights did you gain along the way? Your shared knowledge could be a beacon for those on a similar voyage.
This approach and call for community input are designed to cultivate a supportive conversation, ensuring that the choice of a care attendant is not merely a transaction, but a relationship founded on trust and mutual understanding.
?#ElderCare #Caregiving #CompassionateCare #Healthcare #CareAttendants #AgingParents #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCare
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Very informative!
Founder Change Mantras | System's Coach
5 个月I believe the infrastructural part of caregiving, the hardware, is the easiest to deal with if money is not the issue. But as life slows down, the real need is learning how to deal with emotional and psychological needs. And working with it is rewarding for sure, it also takes time and consistency.
Founder Change Mantras | System's Coach
5 个月Until my father passed away three and a half years ago, I did not think of a caregiver, although my parents were both in their 70s. Once my father passed away, and this was in the middle of COVID, I realised that my mum needed more caregiving - and this was at 3 levels: (a) functional help - cooking, cleaning and housekeeping - which was there from before (b) companionship and emotional needs and (c) someone who could help her more psychologically - find a new routine, deal with the newly emerged time and space with oneself, help engage with nostalgia and whatever comes with it. The household was the easiest part. And all the caregivers stepped up, with their enhanced patience, doing that extra bit, which I think they did it out of compassion for an elderly person, someone who was bereaving however silently. The companionship - that needed some work. It was easy for me to spend time with her because of lockdowns and covid. But having lived separately for many years, and both of us being opinionated people who are fiercely protective of their personal space, the domestic living together wasn't easy. So, we had slip ups, occasional outbursts. But for the most part, I think our conversations began.