7 Tips for Managing Home Care Workers

Elder Care in Huntington, NY:

Home care is a different animal when it comes to managing employees and delegating tasks.  It is a very intimate form of work because it takes place in the private home of the care recipient, it does not allow for direct supervision of workers, and requires a greater level of confidence and trust by the employers.

The home care worker not only learns the roles and responsibilities with their position, but also the client’s physical health, medical history, and personal life information (i.e. family members, marital status, past career, etc.).  This can make the professional boundaries very different than a traditional employment relationship and tend to create a more informal way of working together.  Some of the challenges in managing home care workers include communication between the worker and the family members to obtain and receive feedback, agreement on the job duties between the family members, workers, and care recipient, and keeping a consistent schedule and work routine.

Below are seven tips to manage home care workers and create an efficient routine that keeps your loved one well cared for, safe, and thriving at home.

1. Be upfront about your house rules and preferences.  Make a list of the ways that you maintain the home, cleaning products that you use, laundry preferences, etc.
2. Have a written job description and daily duties. Outline your expectations, daily goals, and daily tasks.
3. Keep a list of symptoms for the home care worker to look out for. Perhaps your loved one is susceptible to certain medical conditions.  Make a list of symptoms that the caregiver should be aware of and observe and report.
4. Keep a journal for the home care worker to make notes about the completed tasks after each visit.
5. Have a weekly phone call to discuss concerns and to get feedback on the worker’s observations.
6. Avoid befriending the home care worker. Maintain professional boundaries and avoid discussing personal problems, family conflict, and anything unrelated to the home care worker’s job duties.
7. View the home care agency as a member of the care team. Keep the agency informed of any changes to your loved one’s needs and updates to the plan of care.