One of the first questions we’re often asked by prospective clients is how often do I need to book a caregiver? They wonder if there are minimum hours per shift, a minimum number of shifts per week, what’s recommended and if hiring a PSW is the right fit for their family. After all, their aging loved one may need part-time or respite care rather than a full-time daily caregiver or 24 hour support. Each individual’s needs are different, and everyone has different levels of family availability and support. So, what’s available and how do you know what level of care is ideal?
The short answer is this: we have a minimum shift requirement of four hours, but no minimum number of shifts per week. Some clients book us once or twice a week while others receive daily or 24/7 care. How often you should schedule a PSW depends on your aging loved one’s specific needs as well as any other support that’s in place. When we meet with you for a personalized assessment, we’ll help determine what’s ideal for your family.
In the meantime, here are some questions to ask yourself and discuss with your aging loved one to help determine how much care is necessary or preferred. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Assess your loved one’s needs
Our team is available to provide a professional assessment and make personalized hoemcare recommendations, but here are some general questions to help guide you.
- What is the main concern or reason to seek support? It may be your loved one’s ability to transfer independently or other safety concerns, their nutrition, ensuring consistent bathing and personal care, wanting dementia-related care or providing companionship throughout the week. Some of these needs are daily (mobility support, meal prep and/or safe feeding, toileting, etc) while others can be scheduled throughout the week in shorter, less frequent shifts (bathing, light housekeeping, accompanying seniors to appointments, etc).
- How much other help is available—and when? If you have a large family that is often present in the evenings or on weekends, for example, it makes sense to schedule caregiver shifts during the week when your aging loved one has less support. Some clients have a spouse or other family member who plays a supportive role during the day while relying on caregiver support overnight.
- What is your loved one comfortable with? If your aging loved one is resistant to receiving help, it may be best to start with a small number of short shifts each week. More caregiving hours can be added upon request as your loved one falls into a positive routine with their PSW and better understands the benefit of these services. Once a relationship has developed with their caregiver, they may be more open to receiving regular support.
Contact us to learn more
If you’re interested in learning more about our team of skilled, dedicated caregivers or booking an assessment with Living Assistance Services in Toronto, please contact us. We’re here to help answer your questions and offer homecare solutions that work best for your loved one. It’s also important to remember that no schedule is ever set in stone—adjustments can be made as needed over time. This is quite common and not a problem for our team. Thanks for reading—we look forward to speaking with you soon.