As the American population ages, more and more people are facing the reality that an older loved one may need assistance to live independently. For many, a nursing home or retirement center is more than they need, while complete independence is becoming more unrealistic. How do you find a way to strike the balance?

Millions of Americans have turned to the services of a home care provider, because of acute illness, long-term health conditions, permanent disability or terminal illness, according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.

The numbers of people needing assistance is going to rise, as an expected 150 million Americans will have some type of chronic illness by the year 2030, according to a Johns Hopkins study. This represents a 50 percent increase over 1995 numbers.

Home care providers typically perform simple, non-medical tasks for seniors in need, including cleaning, cooking, bathing, as well as running errands or just general companionship. It is a viable solution that more families are embracing. The service allows the family member to stay in their home and enjoy familiar surroundings.

When the decision is made to seek out the services of a home care provider, you can start by asking your loved one’s physician or checking with your local hospice organization for references. Your area council on aging may have a list of references, or you can check in the phone book. Ask friends or coworkers, if they have had experience in this area.

Once a list of home care providers has been assembled, it is important to learn about the agency and how they screen their employees and match them with care recipients. The agency should perform background checks of their employees, as well as retain those who exhibit caring personalities and a desire to help people.

If you feel comfortable with the agency and their philosophy, then set up an appointment to meet with their representative. During this meeting, you can discuss you and your loved one’s personal needs and expectations.

Agencies have providers who are specialists in a wide range of care, from hospice professionals, to those trained in

Alzheimer’s, to those who provide for debilitating bone or muscle injuries. Whatever the specialized need, there should be an agency - and a home care provider - available to best fit those needs.

Next, it is important to have agency representatives meet with your loved one. This is highly recommended, since home care professionals cater to the patient, and attempt to make their care as seamless and as compassionate as possible. Some agencies will send several potential candidates to meet with your loved one, to find the perfect fit.

Home care providers and hospice workers can be a great asset in difficult times, and are becoming a viable option for many American families. With the right selection and the best provider, you, your family and your loved one will all benefit.

- For more information about how to find a home care provider, contact Advantage Home Healthcare, Inc. at (707) 426-6381.

Advantage Home Healthcare

Home care providers generally perform simple non-medical tasks to assist seniors, such as cleaning, cooking, bathing, running errands or general companionship.

Check with your loved one’s physician or hospice for references. Check with your local council on aging, and friends and coworkers to see if they have any recommendations on agencies that offer this service.

Find out about the agency, how they screen their employees, what kind of background checks are done, and how well they match care givers with recipients.

Schedule a meeting with the agency’s representative to discuss questions, concerns, and expectations.

Schedule a meeting with your loved one, and the agency’s representative to make sure they are comfortable with one another.