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

This short video can help those Boomers face the challenge of caring for aging parents. For more information on elder care and the caring for elderly parents in Colorado, call 303.660.5120.

Not everyone can be a caregiver. It’s not something that you develop later in life. You either have it or you don’t. Certainly you can try it and see how it goes. But I have found that it really takes a special person to be able to give unconditionally to those in need.

There are many caregivers out there whose heart was originally in the right spot. However, if they do it for a “living” it can take its toll. After awhile, their “burnout” will show itself in the process of daily caregiving. Whether it shows in their attitude or work ethic, burned out caregivers are just not doing justice to the one they care for.

Think of it this way. If you were in your 80’s and you body was failing you, your mind was slipping, you had lost many loved ones — more often than not, you struggle just to get out of bed in the morning. Hope is gone and your just riding out your time. If that is the case, would you want someone showing up to care for you who clearly is just “putting in the time?” I think not. Our elders deserve better.

If we’re “lucky” we’ll get to experience the aging process. Wouldn’t it be better if someone were to show up to help you who just couldn’t wait to try to make a positive difference in your day? Someone who was there, not because it was a “job,” but someone who truly cared and found the deeper meaning in serving others.

After all, I believe we are all here to serve. It’s not about ego, it’s about finding our path and, in some form or fashion, making a difference in the world. Those caregivers who get that concept are truly angelic. Unfortunately, not everyone can qualify for such an endeavor.

My hat is off to those caregivers who truly care and give it their all when they’re serving someone in need. It’s a noble calling and they not only benefit their client, they reap tremendous personal rewards that are priceless.

So if you’re going to care for an individual, remember that you have an obligation to give it 100% while “on the job.” If it were you needing the care, you’d hope for the same. And take care of yourself. Like the banking world, you have to make deposits before you can take withdrawals.

Tom Barton

Owner, Barton Home Care