After working in the home care industry for many years my advice to anyone looking to hire a caregiver for a loved one or friend, is to be proactive.

The majority of people wait far too long to start researching options and ignore many small signs signaling they could use a little bit of help with daily living. It is inevitable that as we age we are not able to do what we used to, at least not safely, especially if you live alone. It is important to recognize your limitations and prevent unfortu­nate accidents that can change your life forever. It is more expensive in the long run to get back on the road to recovery if you’re lucky enough to have that option. Don’t be penny wise and dollar foolish when it comes to needing a little help. Always use your common sense and it will give you the answer.

Friends and families can begin by giving companion/care­giver services as a gift for their friend or loved one. It is a great way to introduce service. A gift of love that really counts, it’s hard to refuse such a personal and thoughtful gift.

In addition to standard home health services, it’s beneficial to look for an agency that offers a wide-variety of custom­ized services. Our agency, for instance, will accompany clients to church or can sit with their loved one while they go to church, escort you to weddings, family reunions, baby or wed­ding showers. We also help our clients get to the airport and on their flight safely. We take them to specialized medical appoint­ments at Robert Wood Johnson, Sloan Kettering in NYC or The University of Pennsylvania Hospital. We do what it takes for our clients to help them get through their day.

It’s priceless to have a com­panion/caregiver you already know and trust in place. I see it everyday. That’s what we do best; we connect clients in need with a companion/caregiver who is loving, trained, screened, bonded and available to help. Don’t wait to get that relation­ship started.

Children of seniors, are seniors themselves, work­ing longer and harder hours. Fighting traffic alone is a full time job. It’s a different world now. Everyone has their own set of obligations. Families should not waste a precious visit with a loved one or friends by running to the food store or cleaning up. Instead, sit down and enjoy each others company and make your visit a special memory. Time with a loved one is precious and it should not be wasted or taken for granted.

Respite care is another avenue families can use to get temporary help for themselves and a loved one. If you’re going to be away on business, taking a vacation, having a minor procedure done yourself and can’t care for a par­ent or loved one during that time, let a licensed caregiver give you the peace of mind and assis­tance you need.

Remember that care is only as good as the team you have in place. It’s that simple. 1st Choice Home Care provides an affordable and safe solution for individuals or couples that would like to remain living independently in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. Our aides also service clients in assisted living facilities, nursing home life and/or dementia special care units when a little more individualized care is needed.