Finding senior home care for your loved one can be daunting. Of the older population with long-Senior home care Rockville MD | Home care Silver Spring MD | Senior care Bethesdaterm care needs in the community, about 30 percent have substantial long-term care needs. Of these, about 25 percent are 85 and older, and 70 percent report they are in fair to poor health. (Source: Family Caregiver Alliance)
Before you begin your search, speak with your senior about what he or she wants. Consider your loved one’s personality and lifestyle. Talk with medical professionals about the level of care your loved one will need. The following tips can help you find senior home care that will best fit your family’s needs.
What options are available?
In-home care nursing agencies
Using a senior home care agency to find help offers advantages that can take some weight off your shoulders. Most agencies thoroughly screen applicants, offer training, and handle payroll, taxes and check immigration status. A good agency will ensure that caregivers have valid references and criminal background checks. Agencies can also provide a qualified backup caregiver in case your regular provider needs to take a day off.
Before choosing an agency, ask friends and family for recommendations. Contact your state or local government’s senior care office for agency references. Using an agency is typically a solid option, but keep in mind that senior home care agencies charge a premium for the services and conveniences they provide.
Hiring a live-in caregiver
If you decide to find care for your loved one without an agency, you need to carefully screen and interview potential caregivers. It’s essential to do in-depth interviews, call multiple references and run background checks before hiring a live-in caregiver. Trust your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
You can find resources through sites like Craigslist, personal recommendations, social networks, and religious organizations. If you hire someone directly, you will also have to find backup care if your regular caregiver is unable to work.
Things to consider before you hire
Credentials and licensing. Does the candidate have any relevant training, education or other credentials? Are they certified in CPR and First Aid? Can Home health nurses draw blood? Some states require specific licenses for home health care providers. You can check law and regulations through your local regulatory agency.
Background checks. Whether you choose to use an agency or hire someone independently, for the safety of your loved one and family it is essential to run background checks on potential hires.
References. Ask for references and call them. If a caregiver gets a glowing recommendation from a former client or family, it’s a good sign that he or she is well qualified and committed to providing good senior home care. On the flip side, pay attention to subtle reluctance to comment, which can sometimes indicate a problem.
Immigration status. You can get in serious trouble for hiring an undocumented immigrant. Request ID and document your caregiver’s immigration status using an IRS I-9 form .
Create a legal employment contract that clearly states:
- Duties and responsibilities: Be specific about hours, schedule, duties, and privileges.
- Compensation and benefits: Include information about pay rate, benefits, days off, vacation, and performance reviews.
- Transportation: Include guidelines for using transportation safely and appropriately.
- Confidentiality: Include expectations about how personal information will be protected.
- Notice and severance: Create terms for what is required of each party if employment ends.
- Payroll & taxes. Paying caregivers under the table is risky-and illegal. To find out more about ways to legally pay caregivers, contact an accountant.
Whether you decide to use an agency or go it alone, finding senior home care for your loved one is a process that requires diligence, patience and understanding. Contact Trusted Touch Healthcare today to discuss your current situation.
