Finding caretakers in Idaho when loved ones aren't willing to accept the help

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Many caretaker resources can be found throughout Idaho, but with the navigation of finding the right one, comes the process of transitioning caretakers into a loved one's living environment.

“A lot of times people will say they don't want help, but once they meet someone that they like, that can help them, they're very willing to accept the help,” said Pam Oliason with the Idaho Commission on Ageing.

Oliason says that it’s important to bridge the gap and transition a new caregiver into a loved ones life.

“Maybe taking someone with you from an in home services agency, or even one of your friends that could help you know help you interpret to your family member, kind of be a buffer, or a coach.”

Churches, friends and neighbors can play a huge roll in helping care for loved ones. Community is a large part of being there for someone and helping them move into a life with a caregivers.

"If you'll just let go of the reins a little bit, and if you can, coax your elder into allowing other people to help. So it's really a community work," said Oliason.

To find caregivers, Oliason says the Area Agency on Aging in Meridian is a good place to start looking. The agency offers resources to guide many different people to many different types of care.

“You can find these folks locally, you can talk to the Area Agency on Aging and they can give you a list of providers,” said Oliason.

The Area Agency on Aging has providers that work with health and welfare and has providers that they work with.

Most of the time, people may not notice that they are care givers themselves.

“They're spouses , they're sons they're daughters," said Oliason. "So that term doesn't even mean anything until suddenly it's like 'oh, all that stuff I've been hearing about from my friends, I'm, one of those now.'”

Oliason says that programs like Legacy Corps, help train families to care for others.

While the processes of choosing caregivers is important, planning ahead is as well. Signs like struggling with housekeeping, falling down or even issues driving can be clues to transition to a caregiver. Oliason emphasizes that each person has different needs.

“Part of what we're trying to do is get people to think about it earlier,” she said.

And when a transition might not go as smoothly, she also recommends to just be there. She says a lot of people struggle with the thought of having a stranger in their home.

"And so the best way to handle that if they don't want services is you meet the housekeeper at the home," said Oliason. "Show them around have your parent be involved in telling them how they want things done. Let them have as much control as possible or help them to have as much control as possible. It usually takes two or three visits and then those people develop a relationship and then you're off and running."