Every senior is different, and so is every caregiver’s day. One gets up at six, another at ten. One likes to go out, another is afraid of stairs. One needs help washing, another just a reminder to take their medication. A good caregiver knows how to adapt. She pays attention to how the senior is feeling and adjusts her approach accordingly. Sometimes it’s enough to just wait. Other times, quick assistance is needed. But adapting is easy when you know what to expect. In a stranger’s home, without any information, it’s difficult. The first few days are then spent guessing and trying things out. The senior notices this and may become anxious. Atena is an agency that has been placing caregivers with families in Germany and the Netherlands for 18 years. It has a solution to this problem: a daily schedule.
What does a diagnosis tell you—and what doesn’t it tell you?
A diagnosis is important, but it’s not enough. It tells you what the senior has. It doesn’t tell you what you need to do. Example: You get just one sentence: “Mr. Hans, 82 years old, diabetes and dementia.” You know what’s wrong with him. You don’t know when he eats breakfast. You don’t know what calms him down when he’s nervous. You don’t know if he needs help walking. Without a plan, you figure these things out on your own, by trial and error, during the first few days. That’s challenging for both you and the senior.
What is a daily schedule, and how does it work?
The daily schedule provides an overview of the entire day at home. It is digital and includes times and activities. It always reflects the current situation in the household. You’ll receive it before you arrive, not once you’re there. It also includes the client’s profile. The profile describes the senior, their habits, and their needs. Atena has completely redesigned the daily schedule to make it practical for caregivers. The schedule is not a list of medical conditions. It’s a guide for the day: what to do, when, and how. This way, the caregiver can prepare at home before heading out.
What does a good daily schedule look like?
A good plan outlines the entire day, from morning to night. Example: Mr. Hans, 82 years old, with diabetes and early-stage dementia.
7:30 – Gently wake Mr. Hans. He only needs supervision while washing.
8:00 – Breakfast: tea without sugar and whole-grain bread. Give him his medication with his meal.
9:30 – A short walk around the house. He likes the garden.
12:00 – Lunch. Before eating, check his blood sugar according to the doctor’s instructions.
14:00 – Rest on the couch, a short nap.
15:30 – Old photos or music. He likes to talk about his work.
6:00 p.m. – A light dinner.
8:00 p.m. – Personal hygiene, nighttime medication, putting him to bed.
At night – Leave a dim light on. If he gets up, gently lead him back to bed.
Notice the difference. The diagnosis says “diabetes.” The plan says “tea without sugar” and “check your blood sugar before lunch.” The diagnosis says “dementia.” The plan says “keep the lights dim” and “gently guide him back.”
Why does the plan work for you specifically?
On the first day, you know what to do and when. You don’t have to ask about every little detail, and you don’t have to guess anything. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, and you don’t start from scratch. You can focus on what’s important: the senior. Another example: Mrs. Mária, 79 years old, after hip surgery. Her plan is different. In the morning, help getting up and walking with a walker; in the morning, exercises as prescribed by the physical therapist; in the evening, help getting undressed. Every senior has their own plan, so one-size-fits-all isn’t enough. Even if the same caregiver were looking after them, the plans would be completely different. A caregiver who is calm and prepared gives the senior a sense of security.
How to get started?
Would you like to work as a live-in caregiver in Germany or the Netherlands? Atena does not charge caregivers any fees. We help them with their travel arrangements and are available by phone whenever they need advice. Check out the job listings at atena.sk and get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
