VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vancouver nurse Tracy Sacré shares her Care Search Checklist to help Canadian families identify the key elements they should consider when selecting care services for an elderly loved-one.
According to Sacré, a former Intensive Care Unit nurse, Instructor of Nursing at Vancouver Community College and owner of senior in-home care business Proof of Care, a big topic of conversation at the dinner table this holiday will be planning care for a senior and "it's critical to look beyond the basics to ensure the care you are choosing, and paying for, is nothing short of exceptional."
Sacré recommends reviewing her Care Search Checklist before embarking on a search:
- Are the caregivers the company hires highly trained by a Canadian accredited school?
- Does the company offer a family-focused philosophy of care such as including the whole family in the plan of care or providing general support to everyone during a difficult time?
- Are the company's checks and balances extensive, transparent and actively monitored?
- Does the family have real-time access to information about their elderly loved-one? For example, at Proof of Care caregivers arrive with an iPad and personalized care plan and report in real-time on the senior's schedule, care, home situation and more. Family members can access the report at anytime from anywhere in the world via computer, tablet or smart phone. Sacré plans to add photography capabilities early in the new year so her caregivers can include in their reports photos of the senior, their home, a medical concern, or simply a photo of their client enjoying a meal or cup of tea.
- Do they treat the entire person using a client-centered care model? Care plans should be tailored to each client's interests, habits and desires, not just their medical needs. What gives your loved ones joy and comfort should be of the utmost importance.
- Will the company work with you to respond to urgent and evolving needs? With seniors things rarely stay static.
- Are there daily consultative reviews of the care plan? This is critical in order to monitor the care and daily changing needs of your loved one.
- Does the company pay its caregivers top wage and enable them to have work-life balance? A caregiver working two jobs to make ends meet will simply be too exhausted to go the extra mile for your loved-one.
ABOUT PROOF OF CARE
Proof of Care is based in North Vancouver, British Columbia and provides custom-tailored care to seniors. The company's services range from Companion Care, through to Personal Care, and Nursing – everything from keeping a senior company and helping with light housekeeping, to administering medications and changing dressings on wounds. Services are available in-home or wherever home is – such as assisted living or long-term care living. Visit www.proofofcare.com for more information.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Kate MacDougall
High View Communications
604-862-5191
kate@highviewcommunications.com
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