What Should I Look for When Hiring an In-Home Caregiver?

Jun 29, 2018 by Stephanie Howe - Owner, Comfort Keepers

Like a float-rider in a parade, tossing candy to the spectators sitting along the side of the road, life often throws out unexpected and unrequested surprises, some good, and others stressful, demanding, and immediate. When it comes to the health and support of your loved ones, it's easy to be caught off guard. You can't be prepared for every situation as it occurs, and as such, when your loved one is suddenly in need of caregiving, charting the best course of action can be overwhelming.

This brief overview of the process involved in acquiring the best possible caregiving options will help you to know where to go and what to ask before making a significant decision about the care and comfort of your loved one.

3 Types of Caregiving: Determine What is Needed

There are three types of caregiving options, but within each category, there are subsequent choices that will surface as the details of your situation provide uniqueness and require tailoring.

The first step in acquiring a top-notch caregiver is determining which of the three types of home care assistance your loved one will need.

Personal Care

The individual who requires personal care services is one who needs assistance with such tasks as bathing, meal-prepping, dressing, and help with the restroom.

Companion Care

One who benefits from companion care is the person who would like company and social interaction, or who needs help with tasks such as housework, yard work, laundry, errands, and reminders about taking medication.

Skilled Nursing

A person who requires skilled nursing is one for whom a medical component of care exists. Such tasks as catheter administration, wound care, PICC lines, blood draws, physical therapy, and other rehabilitative services fall under the skilled nursing category of caregiving.

Choosing a Provider

There are many factors to consider when determining where to turn for services, but the only option for senior care that allows for your loved one to continue living in his or her own home, while receiving various types of care, is the option of in-home care.

If you do not know where to go at the start of your search, a good springboard is the Department of Health and Human Services Eldercare Locator. This resource consists of a comprehensive list of care providers in your area.

The options will be overwhelming, so have an idea of what you want for your loved one when you reach out and don't be afraid to ask questions that will help to narrow your search.

Some of the discussion points in the initial communication should include:

Whether or not the establishment requires background checks for their employees
How many nurses they have on staff
Whether or not everyone on the caregiving staff is CPR and first aid certified
Whether or not they offer the services that your loved one requires
Whether or not they can provide evidence of licenses, certifications, and testimonials

Cost is a Factor

While it would be wonderful to have complete access to all services without the burden of a price tag, the cost of home care assistance is a reality.

Therefore, some of the things that you should be prepared to ask of each provider as your assessment underway includes:

Is there a minimum to the number of consecutive hours for each visit?
How often will the family be billed?
Is insurance of any kind, including Long-Term Care, accepted?
Does the establishment require a down payment for services to be provided?

Individual Attention and Careful Monitoring

Indeed, it will be important to get acquainted with the individual in-home caregivers. Before the meeting, you will want to know about their level of experience and education, whether or not they are qualified to provide the in-home services that your loved one needs, and whether or not they can provide recommendations from a doctor or social worker.

Once the choice has been made, and services are in place, it is essential to communicate with your loved one about the care they are receiving, ensuring that they are being treated with dignity by a competent and friendly caregiver.

Call Comfort Keepers in Monroe Township, New Jersey

At Comfort Keepers, we provide the highest quality of home care services, are licensed and insured, and hire only the most dedicated, caring and skilled professionals to support your loved one.

Contact us today on our website, or call us at (732) 250-3999 for more information about the excellent services we provide.

This article originally appeared here.