The vast majority of people approaching retirement (90% to be exact) want to remain in their homes as they age. Not only is it nice to stay in the home where you’ve made so many memories with your family, but living at home also helps seniors maintain feelings of independence.

But what can you do when your parents are struggling to care for themselves?

Luckily, in-home support services are available to help with a variety of tasks, including bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, cooking, and cleaning.

Of course, no two companies are the same. Make sure you keep an eye out for these important qualities when hiring an in-home care company

1. A Large Number of Services

The most important thing a caregiving company can offer is a wide range of services. You want to make sure a potential company is going to be able to give your parents the care that they truly need.

Even if your parent doesn’t need help with, say, bathing or incontinence care, it’s still a good thing for a company to offer. This way, you know you can stay with the same company if a higher level of care is needed more in the future.

2. Friendly and Outgoing Employees

According to a 2017 survey, Over 40% of seniors experience loneliness on a regular basis. If your parent lost their spouse and doesn’t keep in contact with friends, they may just fall into this statistic.

One surprising benefit to in-home care is that caregivers can socialize with their clients and offer companionship. In addition, their knowledge of the elderly community can be beneficial as they will likely be aware of local events, clubs, or activities that are available to seniors.

Since it’s easier to make new friends with like-minded individuals, consider hiring a company that employs seniors. Not only will your parent have an easier time adjusting to someone that’s of a similar age visiting their home, but they may also be more willing to accept help when it comes from a peer.

3. Lots Of Experience

Many years of experience is a great indicator. This means the company was able to keep their clients happy and beat out the competition. It also means they already know the best methods for finding employees and working with seniors.

Make sure to read online reviews, when they are available. These are a great way to gauge how satisfied people are with the company or individual.

4. Responsible Employees

Of course, you’ll want the people taking care of your parents to be responsible. So, make sure you ask a prospective company what qualities they look for in employees. Do they do background checks or contact past employers?

You’ll also want to make sure the company itself is responsible. If your caregiver doesn’t show up, will the company take responsibility and send a new one over ASAP?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! A responsible and seasoned caregiver should be able to provide answers and put your concerns to ease.

5. Flexibility

Having a regular schedule is important to reduce stress for both you and your aging parent. However, sometimes you need to change your schedule on a moment’s notice.

In the event of a sudden injury or unexpected schedule change, it’s possible that you might need additional care on an ongoing basis or maybe just one extra shift to fill a gap. Make sure your prospective company will be able to handle changes like this, so your parent will always have the help they need.

Finding the Best In-Home Support Services

Getting your parent to accept care is important. But it’s also important to find the right in-home support services to meet their needs. Just follow this guide, so you know what qualities to look for before you hire a prospective company.

Are you looking for the perfect in-home care company for your parent(s)? Contact us today to learn more about our services.