When a loved one has developed health and cognitive, it’s only natural to worry about them. Placing them into long-term care may be your only option.
That may not make you worry any less, however. It’s hard not to notice the stories you see on the news of nursing home neglect and abuse. Hiring a private sitter or companion could help alleviate your fears – or reveal a hidden problem.
Private sitters are non-medical caregivers. They typically provide seniors with help with small tasks and their hygiene, and they are usually a source of companionship and emotional support.
Why hire a private sitter for someone in a nursing home?
A sitter provides your loved one with a little extra care – and you with a lot more peace of mind. Sitters can be particularly useful in nursing home care when:
- You suspect that the facility is running on a skeleton crew overnight or on weekends, which means your loved one may not get the attention they need during that time
- You are worried about communication difficulties that could prevent your loved one from expressing their needs to a rushed nursing home employee.
- You are concerned that the facility is neglecting its patients (including your loved one) and you cannot be there yourself to take note of what’s going on.
- You live at a significant distance or need to be out of town for a while and want someone to check in on your loved one while you are gone.
Protecting your senior from nursing home neglect and abuse isn’t always easy. If you believe that your loved one has been abused, find out more about what it takes to hold the nursing facility accountable for its actions.
