Now that pandemic restrictions are lifting, the desire to travel... see the world!.. get outta town!... is exciting. For many of you, a "stay-cation", maybe a weekend at home just doing nothing or some much-needed respite self-care would do the trick. Others have demandingly long workdays or just busy lives and would like to live them! But the ability to do so? Not so much.
Many have family members - either living with them or that count on you to go check on them - as well as pets and homes that need care, monitoring and attending to. Many of our kupuna here in Hawaii live alone, their adult children living out-of-state without eyes and ears on the ground locally to know how their elderly parents are truly doing.
Aging parents experience hospital stays, rehab discharges, or are simply become more fragile, unsteady and/or forgetful while aging in place. Beloved pets need feeding, medications, cuddles and exercise as well as companionship... preferably in the comfort and familiarity of their own environments. Homes need cuddles too!...with security checks, plant watering and countless other services to ensure all is well and secure.
Is it possible for everyone to get what they need and thrive? A resounding "Yes!"... with the help of a trusted, experienced, well-referenced Check-In service, Pet Care provider and House Sitter. There are some steps worth taking to ensure success. Read on!....
It can't be stressed enough: the importance of doing due diligence on anyone you hire to provide a service for your family and home - verifying a high caliber of care and the communication you will receive - far outweighs solely focusing on the least expensive option out there. Take note of things like their updates system, responsiveness to calls and texts, a professional manner, maturity, an online presence such as a website and yes... references. Don't underestimate the importance of personal local references, too!
Just like home construction or repairs, cleaning services, auto mechanics and more, the cheapest is not always the best... and usually isn't. Ask about custom services and "freebies", discount rate structures, caregiving in their family history and the reasons they are in this line of work. Queries like this will separate the "Ok" from the "Outstanding".
A final thought: in addition to checking all these boxes, it's important that the service or person "feels" right... that you "click" and are comfortable with them. After all, they will become a part of your home life. Choose the best one you can afford. Then hop that flight, go out after work, take weekends off, attend to your own lives off-island.... and breathe easy.
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