Caregiving in Tampa Bay Area - How to Know What is Best?

Image of a body of water in Florida. Representing a place where you can get caregiver therapy in Tampa. You can also benefit from therapy for parents in Tampa, Florida.

By: Carrie Frey

Middle age is often a time when you are settled into your career, have a savings account you are investing in, and have children going off to college; but also aging parents. This means balancing work, children, your household, medical care, and other caregiver responsibilities. 

Making Decisions as A Caregiver

How do you find the best nursing home, rehab facility, or assisted living facility for your loved one? Or do you keep them at home with home health care? Or maybe a day program?  

Those are all such difficult decisions and unfortunately can come with a hefty price tag depending on needs and insurance coverage. This can cause feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed and of course anxious to make a good decision.

There are so many facilities in Tampa that it is hard to tour them all. There are many home health agencies and it is hard to know and trust which to use. 

Image of a person holding into their caregivers arm. Representing the importance of starting caregiver therapy in Tampa, FL so you know what is best. This also works for parenting counseling.

At WellMinded Counseling we have found that Florida Agency for Health Care Administration is a great resource. It is a place to start to find names of facilities in your area. They have a location and Facility Finder website. 

You can select Tampa, enter your zip code, and find a list of facilities in your area. This will tell you how many beds they have, what payment types they accept, and what services they offer. You can see past inspection reports including deficiencies & resolutions.  

Do research online - then select a few to visit.

Image of a walking path in Florida. Showing a place where you can get virtual caregiver therapy in Tampa, FL. Making it easier to get therapy for parents and caregivers in Tampa or anywhere in Florida.

As an experienced Tampa therapist who offers caregiver therapy, I suggest talking to the staff- aids, nurses, and admin. Ask about nursing care, and doctor visits, and look for the activities calendar or the coordinator. Look at those that live there - do they look well groomed and cared for? Is the food edible, is the food being eaten? Are the call lights on for long periods of time? If so, that may mean long waits to meet your loved ones’ needs. Does it smell clean? Are the fake plants dusty and gross? Are the games, books, and crafts new or old and unused?  

Once you have selected care and your loved one is settled- visit often, at varied days/times. Have a whiteboard or notebook to ask questions or reminders. Be friendly, but ask questions  - how is my loved one eating? Are there any new medical concerns, are they active - what do they need?

Get Support Through Caregiver Therapy in Tampa, FL.

Are you feeling stressed as you try to take on the role of caregiver for your loved ones? With guidance and support from Wellminded Counseling, you can learn to find balance again. Get started by following these steps:

  1. Contact our therapy office with any questions

  2. Meet with a caring Tampa therapist for a free consultation to get to know their style

  3. Start getting the help and support you need and find balance in your life!

OTHER Therapy SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

Caregiver Therapy isn’t the only service we offer. Our experienced and caring therapists offer the following counseling services: