There are many factors to consider before making a decision about what home care agency to hire to care for your loved one. It is an important decision when you consider that the agency you choose will be sending someone into your loved one’s home and taking care of one of the most important people in your life. To help you choose the best home care agency, ask questions, be specific (it’s even OK to be nosy in this case) and don’t settle. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be 70% more home aides by the year 2020, so you have plenty of choices. Keep searching until you find the right agency for you and your loved one. Here are a few questions you will want to know the answers to before making your decision.
1. How do you screen your caregivers?
Home care agencies are strictly regulated by their state licensing authorities. State guidelines cover a wide range of regulations to ensure proper care of your loved one and provide assurance that caregivers have received proper training. Agencies are usually inspected on an annual basis, typically without notice. If errors are discovered, the agency is given the opportunity to make corrections which are then reassessed to ensure proper compliance on their next inspection. If there is evidence of negligence or abuse, an agency may actually lose their license, or be forced to close. The agency you choose should perform thorough background checks on their caregivers prior to their employment. You may want to ask the agency if they complete Level 2 background check versus a Level 1check. A Level 1 check generally refers to a state only name based check AND an empyment history check. A Level 2 check utilizes both state and national fingerprints with consideration of disqualifying offenses, and often is required by employees designated by law as holding positions of responsibility or trust. Also, ask your agency if their employees are licensed AND bonded, as this is not typically a state requirement, but will protect your loved one against thieving, embezzlement and other dishonest activities, including negligence.
2. Will I have an opportunity to interview the caregiver you send?
Although an in-home care agency takes on the responsibility for finding a qualified caregiver based on your care specific needs, it is important that you are an active part of choosing the person who is going to become a significant part of your life and the life of your senior aging at home. It is for this reason that it is important that you are honest with your expectations on what you expect from your caregiver, as well as being honest about you and your loved one’s own habits and personalities. The caregiver and client relationship is not just based on the execution of task and chores, but also one of companionship and trust that is likely to last for many years to come. While, it is true that most caregivers naturally enjoy helping others and many have gone to special trainings on how to give the proper attention and care to their clients, it doesn’t mean that every caregiver at the agency may be a match for your situation. When deciding on the right person for the job both parties hold some responsibility to ensure the right match. A caregiver should exhibit patience, perseverance, kindness and a friendly disposition in order to build a strong relationship with the client. In return, you as the client must also demonstrate these same characteristics, along with understanding towards the caregiver in order to build a mutual respect and trust. Use this opportunity to ask for caregiver references and specialized trainings. Call previous employers or clients and ask specific questions related to your specific situation and needs.
3. What happens if there is a need for a backup caregiver?
There is bound to be a time when your caregiver will be unable to make it to a shift, whether it’s because of a sick day, a personal emergency, a car breakdown, etc. This can be a challenging time, so it is important to know what the agency’s back up plan is. You will want the agency to ensure they can provide a backup caregiver in case of a schedule hiccup. In the event a backup caregiver is needed, it is still important that you interview the person who will be coming to your home even if it’s just for the day. Although this can create headaches for both the agency and yourself, you want to be sure that Mom or Dad is receiving the best care available even when an emergency arises. If you are currently your loved one’s caregiver, then you are all too aware that one bad experience can wreak havoc on your senior for many days, even weeks, to come.
4. How do you determine the cost breakdown?
Before you start your interview process with the caregiving agencies, it is critical that you sit down and determine what your actual budget and financial abilities are. Explore what sources of money are available to you so that you have an idea of how much you can actually spend on caregiving services. If you or your loved one qualifies with certain medical requirements, then you may be eligible to get coverage from Medicare, Medicaid, other health insurance or long-term disability insurance to help cover the cost of in-home care. Talk to your family and see if they are able or willing to contribute towards caregiving service costs. Some family members who may not have the time or ability to assist directly, may be able to help out financially. Most in home care agencies charge an hourly rate for a variety of services, including those activities outside the home. These outside services may include activities such as transportation to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, attending religious services, assisting with transfers to a senior community, etc.
Although hourly rates are important in the decision-making process, particularly when you are on a tight budget, it is important to remember that rate should not be the only deciding factor.
Most agencies are usually flexible with their rates within reason. So, if you are quoted a rate of $22 an hour from your preferred agency, but have another agency on your finalist list that has quoted you $20-$21/hour, then your preferred agency might be willing to lower their rate to match the lower rate.
Aging in place is the preference for most seniors, as most of them have been in their homes for many years. Allowing your loved on ether ability to remain in their home, in a familiar environment, can have big advantages as they grow older. One of the primary advantages to aging at home is that it allows one to keep the continuity that is both comforting and a strong part of their personal identity. This can allow the ability to stay connected to personal memories and items linked to our life’s journey and continue to live for many happy years to come.
The information you need . . . straight up!
If you live in Florida and are looking for a caregiver for you or your loved one, we highly recommend Perfect Solutions for Seniors. We have chosen this company as our preferred provider and corporate partner because they show exemplary standards for choosing their employees and caring for their clients. In addition, Perfect Solutions for Seniors share our passion for seniors and their journey, and strive to exceed expectations in every way. If you live in the state of Florida, you can visit their website to find out if you are eligible for a free in-home consultation.
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