Tips for Continuity of Care
Finding the right fit between a senior and his or her caregiver is the biggest part of any successful care relationship. So, when a senior has been receiving care from the same caregiver for years and finds out that caregiver is about to retire, switch jobs, or move to a different location, the news is a big deal. Seniors and their families often fret during this time, worried they will never find another care provider who can measure up to their care standards. Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
At Visiting Angels, we know how hard the transition from one caregiver to another can be for some seniors. In nearly two decades of caregiving, we’ve helped many families with continuity of care. Below, we’ve outlined some of our best advice for when you’re switching care providers. Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
Take Action as Early as Possible
Seniors have little control over when they are notified that a caregiver change is upcoming. But once you are notified, it’s in your hands to start planning for the change as early as you can. Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
If you receive care through a care agency like Visiting Angels, you will want to reach out to an agency director as soon as possible to start discussing your options. In most cases, a care director will have previous experience in transferring a client’s care from one caregiver to another. Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
While procedures can vary from one agency to another, the director of your local agency will generally be your best resource during this time. They will know which caregivers at their agency are available for your care schedule, which have the skills and personality to meet your needs, and what steps you can take to ensure a successful switch.
Communication Leads to Quality Care
One of the best ways to ensure a seamless transition from an old caregiver to a new one is through communication. Care is always personal, tied to the needs and preferences of the care recipient. Even a highly experienced caregiver will take time to get to know a new client. If possible, ask if you can have a new caregiver shadow your old caregiver for a time.
Shadowing is not a standard practice at all senior care agencies, so you may be asked to pay an hourly rate for both caregivers to make shadowing possible. That said, if you have the resources at your disposal, the improved quality of care will make it a worthwhile investment. Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
Get Involved with Caregiver Selection
When a new caregiver is being appointed for your care or the care of your loved one, you should play an active role as much as possible in selecting your caregiver. Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
The amount of say you’ll have in the caregiver will vary from agency to agency, but a quality agency will always keep seniors involved in choosing a care provider. Whether that’s by having clients meet potential caregivers before starting care or giving clients final say in who their permanent caregiver will be, a good agency will work with you to make sure that your replacement caregiver is a good fit.
At Visiting Angels, our approach is to let you Select Your Caregiver®. We do this whether we’re setting up care for a first-time client or helping a longtime client find a new care provider after their previous caregiver has moved or retired.
If you’re looking for a caregiver in your area, contact your local Visiting Angels office today and get started with a free, no-obligation care consultation. Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another Making a Smooth Transition from One Caregiver to Another
