How This Year’s Storms Revealed Home Care Best Practices

By Paul Foresman

Like many of Sunlight’s clients and staff, my home was hit pretty hard during this storm season. Roof, gutters, deck and fence damage topped the list. With extensive damage throughout the metro area, quality contractors were in short supply. So when our roofer said they could arrange for all of our other needed repairs and submit everything to our insurance on our behalf, that sounded great. Little did I realize how the deck repairs would bring home care best practices clearly into focus!

The roof and gutter replacement went smoothly and on-time. But, the deck was another story. Hail’s fury had left the deck badly in need of cosmetic surgery. Our roofer hired a deck contractor, needed supplies were delivered, and he showed up at 7:00 am as promised. When he left at 5:30 pm, my wife was in tears.

Home Care Best Practices

Lesson 1. The roofing reps hired a deck contractor they had never worked with before.

They found him on some contractor website. They didn’t check any references.

At Sunlight, we conduct full background checks on all job applicants and check both personal and professional references prior to hiring. Importantly, during both the hiring and onboarding process, we assess each Caregiver’s knowledge and abilities.

Lesson 2. The deck contractor accepted the job sight unseen.

He didn’t know what he was getting into.

Each Sunlight client’s Personal Care Plan clearly identifies the care services to be provided. Caregivers review the care plans prior to each care shift to ensure a thorough understanding of care to be provided.

Lesson 3. The deck contractor didn’t know what he was doing.

Rather than applying a chemical stripper to remove the old stain, this deck guy thought he could remove it by power washing (didn’t work) and sanding (took too long.) So, he decided to blast it with the power washer, turned the pressure way up, and caused further deck damage!

At Sunlight, our Caregiver’s knowledge and experience are primary considerations when being matched with clients. (Personalities and interests are other factors in addition to care needs.)  Besides Sunlight’s continuing Caregiver education, our Clinical Training Specialist may also provide specific training to ensure your Caregiver can provide the care you need.

Lesson 4. There wasn’t enough time.

Running out of time, the deck contractor quit attempting to remove the old stain and simply applied the new stain with a roller. Nothing was covered, and stain got on the siding, downspouts and cement pavers under the deck. Plus he trampled the flowers under the deck.

During the interview process, many home care agencies simply ask prospective clients how often, and for how many hours at a time, they would like care services. Sunlight is different. As we listen to an individual’s needs, situation and goals, Sunlight will recommend, in our professional opinion, a care schedule to achieve the client’s goals. Too few care hours likely won’t deliver the desired results. Too many care hours take money that may be needed elsewhere in the budget. Prospective clients can then consider our recommendations along with cost and other factors to make the best decision.

Lesson 5. There was no oversight.

The roofing company reps never stopped by to go over the project nor see how it was going until my wife got home, saw what had been done, and called them. They were appalled.

Lesson Learned.

Most contractors are caring, hard-working professionals. Unfortunately, our deck guy was in over his head or perhaps simply didn’t care.

Care. It’s in our name – Sunlight Senior Care. It’s who we are. It’s what we do. Care for disabled individuals. Care for the elderly. In-home care in Des Moines. In-home care in Lincoln. In-home care in Omaha.

Care is paramount in our staffing. We care about who we hire and we hire only a small percentage of the people who apply to be Sunlight Caregivers.

Care is in our DNA. We are not only a company that cares for our clients, we care for our staff as well. We appreciate our Caregivers for all they do. They are recognized and celebrated for delivering excellent care.

Some Sunlight Senior Care clients have been with us for years. Others, for just a few weeks after their discharge from rehab. We have clients we care for 24/7 and clients we see for just two or three hours a week. The common thread among all our clients? The quality care services they receive, due in part to our home care best practices. If you would like to experience top-notch care, schedule a Care Assessment. We’ll meet with you in your home, discuss your care needs, preferences, and goals, and answer your questions.

There is no charge for the Care Assessment. Because we care. We want you to have the information you need to make an informed care decision! (Read more – What is a Care Assessment and Why Should I Schedule It?)