Let's Become the CEO of Caregiving

When I say, "Let's become the CEO of caregiving," I don't mean you should start a caregiving business and become a business owner.

It means that in undertaking the "caregiving for your parents" project, you should act as the "CEO" to define the purpose and policy of the project and build a system that ensures the project runs smoothly.

What should you do?

When caring for your parents, you must absolutely avoid doing everything yourself—such as hands-on care, cleaning, laundry, and cooking.
You have your own job and your own family.
Doing your own job well and living a happy, enjoyable life with your family is what matters most.

What you should do is build a sustainable caregiving system.
It is about defining the purpose and policy of caregiving, creating a system that allows you to provide care continuously without strain, and maintaining that system.

Comparing your parents' care to a company

If you compare "caring for your parents" to a "company project," it becomes easier to understand the difference between what you should do and where you should rely on professional help.

(1) You are the "CEO"

First, you are the "CEO."

1. Create management goals for the company

The CEO sets the company's management goals. For many people, the goal will likely be something like,"Everyone living a happy life while balancing parental care with one's own work and life."isn't it?

• While cherishing your parents' wishes, how will you provide care and what kind of life will they lead?

• How will you control the impact that caregiving has on your work and family life to ensure it continues without strain?

You set the company's management goals while thinking about these things.

You might feel anxious, wondering if it's okay for you to be the CEO when you don't know much about caregiving. But think about it.

When a CEO or a high-ranking official interferes in the actual work site, things usually don't go well, right?That is precisely why you leave the on-site work to the professionals. You trust the power of caregiving professionals like care managers and helpers, and let them fully demonstrate their skills.

2. Building a caregiving system to achieve goals

And once you have set your management goals,you think about what kind of caregiving system you should adopt to achieve those goals.- Should they enter a facility, or should you use home-based care services?
- Which caregiving provider should you contract with?
- How often should you use caregiving services?
You consider these things and build the system one step at a time.

Of course, to build a caregiving system, it is essential to listen carefully to your parents' wishes and consult with professionals such as the community comprehensive support center and care managers.

3. Maintaining the caregiving system

Furthermore, a caregiving system is not something that is 'finished once you create it'.
・Is the system in line with your parents' wishes?
・Are there any issues causing trouble for care managers or helpers?
・Are your parents experiencing any worries or difficulties?
There are countless things to be concerned about and consider, such as these.You must pay attention to how to maintain the caregiving system sustainably and for a long time, and if problems arise, you must address them one by one.

Efforts to maintain a good relationship between your parents, yourself, and the caregiving service provider are also necessary.

(2) The Care Manager is the 'Executive Officer'

The care manager is the 'executive officer' who supports you, the CEO, and manages the practical operations.

Even though you are the CEO, you are not a caregiving professional.
In order to enter the 'new business' of caregiving, it is necessary to bring in a care manager, who is a caregiving professional, as an executive officer to coordinate the helpers who handle the practical work, and to have them provide consultation on various matters for you and your parents.

Whether you can meet a good care manager is largely a matter of luck. If you find that you simply cannot get along with your care manager, it may be necessary to consult with the Community General Support Center to have them changed.

However, once you find a care manager you can trust, you must believe in them. Trust them and leave it to them.

They are professionals in caregiving. I understand the feeling of wanting to intervene in the field because you are worried about whether the optimal caregiving service is being provided for your parents. But you must hold back and trust the professional's approach.

(3) The Community General Support Center is the 'Consultant'

At the stage of appointing an executive officer—when care becomes necessary, care level certification is issued, and you choose a care manager—you will enlist the help of the Community General Support Center, which acts as your consultant.

Early information sharing with your consultant is important. By conveying the situation you and your parents are in and any problems you are facing early on, and by talking about them in detail, you increase the likelihood of being introduced to a care manager who suits your situation. No matter how excellent a consultant is, they cannot give good advice without information.

Also, if you build a relationship of trust with the Community General Support Center in advance, they will share information about you with the care manager, making it easier to build a relationship of trust with the care manager as well.

Conclusion

Here is a summary of today's points.

• You are the CEO of a caregiving business

• The CEO's job is not to go out into the field and do the hands-on work, but to build and maintain the system

• It is important to find a care manager you can trust, believe in them, and leave it to them

I pray that you will be able to realize the desired form of caregiving for both your parents and yourself.