When you have finally found the perfect home care companion for your family member, there is some information, which you will need to go over.  It’s important that the caregiver knows things like whether or not your loved one needs help with meal preparation or with running errands.  Here are some basics for you to go over with the companion:

• If your loved one needs to take medication, although the home care provider cannot give the medication to your family member, he or she can provide a reminder.  So you can explain whether your family member likes to take it with juice, milk or water, and what times he or she would need reminded.
• You need to write down any likes, or dislikes about food or drinks or if your loved one has any allegories.  Also whether your loved one enjoys a cup of tea in the afternoon, or coffee with breakfast.
• You will need to explain whether your senior needs assistance with cooking or, if with encouragement, he or she can do it himself or herself.  Also, let the companion know if the food needs to be cut into small pieces, or if your senior needs assistance when eating.  Discuss too if there is cleaning that has to be done, if and when help is needed, and whether your loved one can make his or her own bed, etc.
• Let the companion know how your loved one likes to sleep.  What time he or she gets up, if naps are taken and what time your senior goes to bed.  Also make a note if he or she likes to have a light on or music playing; or perhaps, the TV playing.
• Bathroom habits also need to be discussed.  Can he or she use the bathroom by himself or herself or does he or she need assistance with bathing and dressing?
• Describe what in home activities your family member enjoys doing.  Make a note if there is a specific schedule that needs to be adhered to.  Does your loved one enjoy watching certain TV shows, playing games, reading the newspaper or a good book?
• If you loved one likes to go outside, is there a special place they like to walk? Would he or she enjoy the movie theater, or maybe a stroll around the mall?  If he or she does go out, make a note if a walker or cane needs to be used and whether a jacket will be needed if they tend to get cold easily.
• If your family member is feeling lonely, is there a friend who can be contacted to come over?  Or maybe a phone call that can be made.

Having a list for the companion to refer to saves time and gives the companion a direction to go.

For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents get to their annual appointments, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care services in Coronado CA, and the surrounding communities.

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Brittnei Salerno

Owner at La Jolla Nurses Homecare

“My mother, Lorraine Salerno, founded La Jolla Nurses Homecare in 1977.

Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.

I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”

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