Knowing when it’s time to increase the standard of care for your loved one at home can be tricky. Sometimes, they may push back at the idea of needing extra help around their home—the fear of losing autonomy is an understandably stressful thought. Whether you’re looking to bring in a professional to aid in the care or planning on taking on that role yourself, a growing number of tools and resources are available to take advantage of.

As you begin planning to care for a loved one at home—whether in your home or theirs—it's essential to prepare thoroughly for the changes that will impact everyone involved. In this article, we share tips on how to care for your loved one to ensure a seamless transition.

No. 1

Learn about your loved one’s condition.

Information and knowledge are some of the building blocks to creating a compassionate environment. Whether you’re preparing for hospice care, long-term injury recovery, or some other situation that requires more intensive care at home, learning everything you can about the intricacies and nuances of your loved one’s situation is essential. This knowledge can go a long way in providing them with the care they need and makes discussing their condition with healthcare providers easier. 

No. 2

Create a comprehensive care plan

Establishing long-term goals for your loved one—whether it's a path to recovery, end-of-life planning, or something else—can help you create a clear roadmap. This not only keeps you organized but also ensures effective communication and alignment with any professionals you bring in to assist.

No. 3

Stay organized

The more preparation and planning you can do ahead of time, the better. This includes creating a calendar to keep track of appointments, when and what medication needs to be administered, and other key tasks. Planners and binders make it easy to store paperwork and notes. 

Consider using color coding to highlight important documents or binder sections, and add dividers and tabs for quick access. Staying organized not only enhances the quality of care but also helps reduce anxiety and stress throughout your time caring for your loved one.

No. 4

Communicate Plans and Intentions

For those receiving care, adapting to new limitations on autonomy, shifting schedules, and future planning can be challenging, even when these changes are meant to improve their quality of life.

By keeping your loved one at the heart of your planning, you can provide them with a sense of control and help alleviate fears about the unknown. This approach fosters a greater sense of agency and reassurance during the transition.

No. 5

Actively Listen

Just because your plan may seem air-tight at first, unexpected complications or conflicts may arise that require adjustments made on the fly. Creating a good in-home care plan and providing the support your loved one needs starts with taking their concerns and needs into consideration. 

Communication is vital to maintaining any relationship and is doubly so when that relationship is predicated on one person now spending much of their time in their home. While not every request may be possible (or advisable), creating a compassionate home is reacting to the wants and needs of the one being cared for.

No. 6

Look Into Benefits

Depending on your situation, the loved one needing care at home may qualify for certain Medicare benefits. However, there are limitations as to what care can be reimbursed or covered by this health insurance program.

Generally, Medicare pays for home healthcare services when they’re provided by a Medicare-certified professional. Covered care may include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. 

Notably, many privately hired caregivers are not covered by Medicare. If Medicare benefits are part of your in-home care, confirm that the care you’re hiring can be covered so you aren’t caught unaware of unexpected expenses.

Takeaways

Creating a comforting and compassionate space in your home is a key part of taking care of a  loved one. It involves understanding their needs and ensuring they feel supported throughout the process. 

With decades of experience in personalized care for residents throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley, organizations like United Hospice emphasize the importance of skilled support tailored to each individual’s situation.

Having access to knowledgeable professionals can greatly facilitate the transition to in-home care. These experts are prepared to provide guidance and answer any questions, making the process smoother for both caregivers and their loved ones. 

The goal is to ensure that the care provided meets the specific needs of the patient while fostering an environment where they can feel safe and respected in their home.

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