Finding Peace of Mind: Trusting Our Caregivers for Senior Home Care
September 19, 2023
Experience Tranquility When Seeking Caregiving Assistance

If you're feeling concerned or guilty about hiring someone to assist in caring for your older adult, please know that you're not alone. While it may be your heartfelt wish to be there for them around the clock, it's important to acknowledge the limitations of reality. As a long-term caregiver, it is crucial to prioritize your own well-being by taking regular breaks and allowing yourself personal time.
That's why seeking help with caregiving is of utmost importance. Even when you've hired an in-home caregiver to support you in caring for your older adult, it's natural to have concerns about their well-being in your absence.
When you have the assurance that your loved one's needs are being met and they are being treated with kindness, it brings peace of mind. This, in turn, allows you to relax and fully enjoy the well-deserved respite from your caregiving responsibilities.
In this article, we will share tips that will not only help you feel more confident about the quality of care your older adult is receiving but also enable you to proactively identify any potential issues. By doing so, you can prevent serious problems from arising and ensure the continued well-being of your loved one.

Tips for Achieving Peace of Mind When Utilizing an In-Home Caregiver
Ensure That Background Checks Remain Current and up to Date
Even if the initial background check on your in-home caregiver came back clean, it's wise to repeat the process every 6 to 12 months. This ensures you stay informed about any changes or updates. You should check their name against national databases, local court records, and state elder abuse registries (if available). Additionally, verify their Social Security number to uncover any aliases they may have used. If they are responsible for driving your older adult, it's important to examine their driving record as well. If you hired through a home care agency, take the time to inquire about the frequency of their background checks and the comprehensive nature of the databases they utilize.
Stay Vigilant for Indications of Potential Issues
If the caregiver is not performing well, there are usually warning signs. If you notice anything that makes you feel uneasy, trust your instincts. Take the time to investigate further and keep a record of recurring incidents.
While accidents can happen occasionally, frequent accidents indicate a problem. Here are some examples of red flags to watch out for:
- The caregiver disregards your instructions and acts according to their own preferences.
- You are unable to reach the caregiver when they are with your older adult.
- The caregiver is noticeably preoccupied with their phone, TV, or computer.
- Your older adult's personal hygiene is being neglected.
- Your older adult displays unexplained signs of physical or mental trauma, such as bruising or sudden changes in behavior (fear, agitation).
- The caregiver appears indifferent to household safety.
- You come across multiple negative reviews of the caregiver on reputable websites.
Utilize Video Cameras for Surveillance Purposes
Video cameras are often employed for monitoring purposes as a deterrent against abuse. The objective is not to catch individuals in the act, but rather to prevent such incidents from occurring altogether.
If you intend to utilize cameras to oversee a hired caregiver, it is important to be transparent about this arrangement from the outset. Most honest caregivers will not object to being recorded if they are aware of it. In fact, this can serve as a protective measure for them against false accusations.
However, it is understandable for someone to feel justifiably upset if they discover later on that they have been unknowingly recorded.

Reach Out to Personalized Care Coordination Today
It's time to ensure the quality care and peace of mind you and your loved ones deserve. Personalized Care Coordination is ready to support you in this journey. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and customized care for your older adults while allowing them to step back with confidence, knowing they are in well-trained and trustworthy hands. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can make a positive difference in your senior caregiving journey. It's a step towards tranquility, for both you and your loved one.









