How have you found caregivers for elder care?

[DaddyD]

I've tried the agency route, they have been hit or miss, though mostly "miss" to be honest, they'll send out one person one week, a different person the next, etc..

If anyone as a referral or recommendation for anyone who takes on private clients, I'm looking for help for dear ol' mom & dad!

[Bay Kid]

I have been taking care of Dad for years. If it isn't family or friends it is just me. Hard choices but worth it for Dad.

[asianthree]

I've tried the agency route, they have been hit or miss, though mostly "miss" to be honest, they'll send out one person one week, a different person the next, etc..

If anyone as a referral or recommendation for anyone who takes on private clients, I'm looking for help for dear ol' mom & dad!

One might give more information on what the care needs are. Ambulatory or none. Meals prepared, housekeeping, full personal care? Do they require meds given, exercise or memory help. Weight of each (one person can only safely handle up to certain weight.)

[PugMom]

getting a different person seems to be the norm when using these services. i hired a nurse (somewhat expensive), but guaranteed the same person came each time. good luck & all the best

[DaddyD]

I have been taking care of Dad for years. If it isn't family or friends it is just me. Hard choices but worth it for Dad.

I'm in the same boat, albeit for not as long as you--I've only been taking care of him since early 2024.

I'm not planning on stopping what I'm doing, but it would be nice not being on call 24/7, as well as to be able to take the odd day off.

But my primary motivation for looking for help is to have someone who's ready & able to come in & "pitch hit" if I get sick, my back goes out, etc..

[DaddyD]

One might give more information on what the care needs are. Ambulatory or none. Meals prepared, housekeeping, full personal care? Do they require meds given, exercise or memory help. Weight of each (one person can only safely handle up to certain weight.)

Dad is frail & needs help with all ADLs--help getting into & out of chairs, bed, etc.. He can toilet himself, but needs help getting onto & off the toilet. He's a huge fall risk, so he uses a walker, and always wears a gait-belt, which I hold onto & walk beside him. He probably weighs around 160lbs..

Mom is in better shape, but needs assistance showering.

No meal prep or medication needs to be given, and no major memory issues with either.

Myself & sibling do all the housework, but if I were to find someone I'd probably ask that they do some light housework just to help out. To be honest most of the time my parents just sit in their recliners & watch TV, play computer games, nap, etc.. I'm basically just looking for someone to be there so that I can get some personal time off. Nothing I do for either of them is particularly hard...it's just all day every day.

[DaddyD]

getting a different person seems to be the norm when using these services. i hired a nurse (somewhat expensive), but guaranteed the same person came each time. good luck & all the best

Agreed that the "different person seems to be the norm", and that's the problem! Each time a different person shows up I've got to somewhat "train" them, which makes their being there not really that helpful.

Mind if I ask how you found this nurse, and what's "somewhat" expensive?

In my fantasy dream world I'm hoping to find a retired nurse/CNA or stay-at-home Mom with elder care experience who has some free time in their schedule (but doesn't want a full-time job) & wants to make some extra tax-free cash.

[bgnn54]

Hi, we have a new service provider here in the Villages, 25 years experience, give me a call 603-834-5187. Bob and April.

[Bay Kid]

I'm in the same boat, albeit for not as long as you--I've only been taking care of him since early 2024.

I'm not planning on stopping what I'm doing, but it would be nice not being on call 24/7, as well as to be able to take the odd day off.

But my primary motivation for looking for help is to have someone who's ready & able to come in & "pitch hit" if I get sick, my back goes out, etc..

My biggest fear is that I am unable to be there for him.