The business of caring for seniors is booming. What does that mean for those who are the decision makers for their aging loved ones? Which agencies are qualified? Is private the way to go? What kind of care needs are there? There are many factors when hiring a caregiver for your loved one while you go to work or care for your own family.
Caveat Emptor. Buyer Beware.
Agencies provide aides or companions who have been vetted usually by background and reference checks. Ask which background checks are used…national, criminal, social security and DMV. Ask if the company drug tests their employees. Are the aides/companions employees or independent contractors? There are registries or employment agencies where you pay the company and the aide is, in effect, private. This means you are at risk for liability and should get worker’s comp insurance and pay through a payroll company, making them your own employees. With an agency, they take care of the insurances and are usually bonded as well.
Ongoing training is also another perk associated with agencies with their own employees…not all do it, but it is a good question to ask. Drivers are usually needed as it’s important for those who need to, get to doctor appointments and social outings. Inquiring if they aides drive and questions about insurance is good to discuss as well.
The
best kind of caregiver for your loved one is one who is a good
personality match and relates well. It takes a little while for
people to get used to having someone around to help out; give it some
time and if it’s a good match, great! If not, the agency will have
someone else.
Even if the person is resistant they soon understand that they need someone there. Some patience with a little time goes a long way in making this work.
