Senior / Elderly Care Guide
Senior / Elderly Care Guide Back to Top
Find the elderly care your loved ones deserve on MindMeCare.ie Whether it's your
mother or father needing a helping hand, your sister recovering from a serious
illness, your husband or wife showing signs of dementia or your grandmother who
recently had a fall, you realize that you are now in need of a caregiver.
Where do you start?
MindMeCare.ie is a subscription service which allows you gain access to our extensive database of Carers. You can also advertise for free to evaluate if your ‘Carer position’ attracts candidates and only subscribe should you wish to make contact.
Safe and secure
When you find a caregiver you would like to explore further. Simply use the
MindmeCare.ie secure private messaging system. This allows you to ask questions and
to request more information.
One thing that does help is to have a plan. You'll become familiar with the various
types of care that can support and assist you and your loved ones, figure out what
best suits your needs and know the right questions to ask.
It’s completely natural to have concerns about the care of parents, grandparents and
loved ones as they reach old age. It is also completely normal to feel worried,
stressed and even overwhelmed when considering what your care options are,
ultimately you just want the best possible care for your loved one.
Housing & CareBack to Top
Our needs as humans are continuously changing, from the moment
we’re born, to the end of our days. Where we live in the independent phase of our
lives may not be where we live as we get older and of course our personal needs also
become heightened. If you are looking for answers to the questions, “Where is mum
going to live?” or “Who is going to help care for dad during the times we cannot?”
then MindMeCare.ie can hopefully help. There are many possible candidates listed on
MindMeCare. Explore the options here and talk over the possibilities with your
elderly loved ones.
Hiring an Elderly Caregiver
If hiring a senior caregiver on your own, use the following interview questions to
narrow down the prospective candidates. First screen your applicants over the phone,
then meet in person (likely a public meeting place). If they feel like a good fit
for you, you will need to introduce the potential caregiver to your parent or
grandparent.
Questions You May Want To AskBack to Top
Do you have a full clean driver's license?
Do you have reliable transportation and insurance?
How far from our elderly loved one do you live?
What other responsibilities do you have?
Are you flexible time wise ?
Will other commitments you have affect you if I'm delayed getting home?
Would you be available for respite care, or to stay over for a weekend?
Do you smoke? (Many people say they don't smoke but they do, -offer them an outside
smoking area and insist it be used).
What caregiving qualifications / training do you have, if any?
Do you have any first-aid training?
Here is a list of expected elderly caregiving related duties. Is there anything on
the list that poses a problem or concern?
Are you comfortable with pets?
Are you comfortable with my (grandparent/parent/spouse) having guests or other
family members stopping by?
When are you available to start working? After a 30-day trial period, would you be
willing to commit to a long-term commitment?
Have you ever cared for someone with (conditions relatable to your loved one's care:
memory problems, elderly, wheelchair bound, etc.) before? If so, please elaborate
Are you willing to sign a contract stating you will not accept money or gifts from
my (parent/grandparent/spouse, etc) without clearing it with me?
Are you willing to sign a declaration that you will not have guests come into our
home unless I have given prior approval?
Would you be comfortable driving my parent’s car if need be, or using your own car
if we request it?
What are your expectations for time off?
Are you willing to submit to a background check? Note: We suggest that your
candidate be Garda vetted and you check the certification.
Create possible scenarios:Back to Top
Ask the prospective caregiver how they would handle various care issues that could
arise.
For instance. How would you handle it if my mother wakes up and is extremely
irritable and doesn't want to get dressed, but she has a medical appointment later
that morning?
If my father appears to have a fever and is acting lethargic and you think there's
blood in his urine, what would you do?
If I can’t be reached, what would you do then?
If my Grand Dad falls, seems confused, doesn't recognize you and won't let you help
him and he's argumentative, what do you do?
Once you have hired someone and have all of the documentation and paperwork sorted
out, it helps to have a detailed plan for the first week to ensure a smooth
transition.
Home Safety Tips for SeniorsBack to Top
Due to the growing popularity of in-home care for seniors, it's important to make
sure you and your loved one are aware of the potential dangers present in the home
for seniors living alone and prepare accordingly. You can help prevent falls and
accidents by making changes to unsafe areas in the home with these tips.
GENERAL HOME SAFETY
The following home safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe:
Consider a medical alert system.
Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
Never smoke when alone or in bed.
Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you
have your balance.
Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
Use a correctly measured walking aid.
Remove or secure all scatter rugs.
Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
Wipe up spills promptly.
Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary,
purchase a stairlift.
Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs
Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and
bottom.
Make sure that staircase steps have a non-slip surface.
BATHROOM SAFETYBack to Top
Leave a light on in your bathroom at night.
Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower
cubicle and by the sides of the toilet.
Make sure the bath matt has a non-slip bottom.
Mark cold and hot taps clearly.
Make sure door locks can be opened from both sides.
KITCHEN SAFETY
Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
Mark "on" and "off" positions on appliances clearly with bright colours.
Store sharp knives in a knife rack.
Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off.
Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the oven/hob.
Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiry dates.
MEDICINE SAFETYBack to Top
Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist .
Make sure medicines are clearly labelled.
Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always
take the correct dose.
Dispose of any old or used medicines.
Have medication dispensed in a convenient dispenser.
