Home Health Care

Caring for an ill family member at home

Although we don’t like to think about it, all of us face the possibility of caring for an ill family member or going through the difficult process of hiring home care workers for someone we love. Even worse, there is the possibility of being in need of home health care services ourselves, if anything were to ever happen.

Even though it’s tough, it’s better to be prepared for these possibilities, rather than putting decisions off until something actually happens. Below you will find some great tips for finding the right person or company for care at home.

Choosing Home Care

Above all else, this process should not be rushed. It may take time to find the appropriate person or service. You’ll also have the responsibility of informing the person or company you have selected about any special circumstances of your situation.

For your own safety, you should make sure to inform your chosen home care provider about your entire health history (or that of the patient), even if it is something you think is not important. Here is a list of information you’ll need to provide:

• Whether you are feeling unwell or if you have been sick in the last month.
• Every medication you are taking, even non-prescription medications.
• Any surgeries or medical procedures you have undergone, or any you plan on having any done.
• All recent doctor or hospital visits.
• Other senior home care or in home care services you may have used, as well as any nursing homes you have been in.
• Ongoing medical conditions such as diabetes.
• Any history of disease in your family.
• Any addictions you may suffer from such as smoking or alcohol.

Be Open with your Home Health Care Worker

Many people fail to inform their home health care worker of important details because they are unaware of what can affect their health. Both you and your health care worker should be aware of every detail - right down to the foods you eat - that could affect your overall health. Be sure to bring up any vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbs or herbal medicines and non-prescriptions drugs you are taking as well.