For many people, the need for home care can happen suddenly. Let’s say an elder woman is living with her daughter and all is well even though the daughter works outside the home everyday. One day that elder takes a fall and fractures her hip. Now everything changes. Off to the hospital and then usually a rehab facility. Then they release this elder and the daughter has a dilemma. Who will watch over Mom while she’s at work? And she must work since she has used up most of her vacation time. Frantically she searches for home care and discovers just how difficult the process can be … especially here in Colorado.
You see, in Colorado, in-home, non-medical care for seniors is an unregulated business. It’s caveat emptor … buyer beware. Does this woman search randomly through the Yellow Pages? That can definitely be hit or miss. Where does she find a reputable home care company that would be appropriate for her current situation? What questions does she ask? She’s never done this before and just does not know how to navigate these “uncharted waters.” This, unfortunately can add to her already mounting stress.
As a service to prospective home care clients, we have put together a list of questions to help one discern which company to hire. Click on this link: home health care and you’ll be directed to a page that can help you to ask the right questions to make an informed decision.
The bottom line is don’t wait until something happens to start a relationship with a senior companion care company. If you are caring for elderly parents who may need some assistance at some point, be proactive — it will help you to make a better informed decision and help to eliminate or lower your stress levels.
Tom Barton
Owner, Barton Home Care