As family caregivers, recognizing the need for additional support at home can be a crucial step. Signs may include realizing that your loved one requires constant supervision or assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. Moreover, difficulties in managing household chores and errands, or the necessity for multiple caregivers to handle responsibilities outside the home, signal the need for professional assistance.

Orcas Island is home to many skilled and caring individuals who are dedicated to helping islanders remain in their home safely and comfortably and the Caregiver Directory on this site is a great place to start.

The following sections can help you in choosing the right caregiver to meet your needs:

Getting Started

Identifying Services You Need

Hiring A Home Care Worker

Supervising Home Care Workers

Financial and Legal Considerations

 

Note: Material from this section has been excerpted, with permission, from “How to Hire In-Home Helpers, A Guide For Seniors And Their Families” by the Northwest Regional Council, www.nwrcwa.org