Home Care Agency Choices - How Do You Choose?
Monday May 25, 2015 - Jennifer Prell
When you are trying to find a caregiver to take care of a loved one you want to make the best choice for your family. It's not always easy choosing a caregiver. There are thousands of home care agencies and too many choices. The following are some guidelines in choosing a companion caregiver for your loved one.
- Get a referral for a well known home care agency in your area.
- Do they do national background checks?
- Do they do random drug screenings?
- Do they fire and prosecute should something go terribly wrong?
- Is the caregiver insured through the agency?
- Is the agency paying for the caregiver's workman's comp insurance and paying their taxes?
- What kind of training is provided to the caregiver?
- Will you get the same caregiver every day or time needed?
- Who is supervising the caregiver?
- What happens if the caregiver gets sick, goes on vacation or doesn't show up?
- If your loved one is particular make sure you tell the agency what kind of person would work best with them.
- Advise the agency of your loved ones specific activities they need help with.
- Advise the agency of your loved ones dietary needs and the type of foods they prefer.
- What can you expect from your caregiver?
- What are the things the caregiver does not do or provide?
Lots of questions to ask when hiring a caregiver. However, if you ask these questions before you hire someone, it will make it a lot easier on your family as their needs grow.