Setting an Adult Care Provider Up for Success

Setting Up your Adult Care Provider for Success

Bringing someone into your family to provide care for your loved one can be an adjustment.  

The following pre-planning will help get your care provider relationship off to a good start and ensure they can support and communicate effectively with your family.

Logistical planning with your provider (prior to the start date):

• Review the job description, your expectations, and specific tasks
• Note the best way to communicate with you (call/text/email)
  • Provide contact information for all individuals involved in care
• The contact information for someone nearby (family member, friend, neighbor, etc).
• Give a tour of your home to your care provider to help them get to know where things are.
• Discuss any limits or specific needs that your care provider should be aware of:
  • Dietary restrictions/needs
  • Any restricted activities (driving, stairs, lifting, using certain appliances, etc.)
  • Medications needed or those which should be avoided
  • Any allergies - steps to take if exposure occurs
• Go over your loved one’s schedule/routine
  • Outline your care provider’s role throughout the day
  • Mention any areas where extra support may be needed
• Talk about your loved ones personality and preferences
  • What do they like to do? What brings them joy?
• Go over any challenging behaviors and the best way to approach/support 
• Any other general tips & advice that will help your care provider 
• Questions or concerns coming up for either party

Important medical information to share with your care provider:

• Medication
  • Schedule, dosage, how to administer/support  
    • Be sure this is written down for the provider via email. Keep a written copy handy if possible.
      • Have provider check off when medication is administered & time of administration
      • Consider using an app that will send reminders and allow you to track virtually
• Doctor/hospital/emergency contact information
  • Include when to contact each - for example: “If Loved One experiences these symptoms, please head to the hospital and call Emergency Contact #1” or “if Loved One is experiencing this symptom, please call Dr. Number One”
• Care plan or medical binder (if applicable)
• Any information needed for appointments your care provider will be attending
  • Dates/times
  • Name and address of doctor/facility
  • Topics to be discussed during this appointment (if your provider will be discussing care with a physician, etc.)