Most Private Homecare agencies accept Long-term Health Care Insurance (LHCI). If your loved one has LHIC. The goal is to find a trustworthy, compassionate, and responsible caregiver. Do you feel most confident using a home health agency or friend's referral? Whatever method you select, you and your loved one should interview the caregiver together, prepare written questions, and be transparent and honest about job requirements. Do your research, Home Health Compare is a useful online tool for finding and researching home health agencies in your area. It offers detailed information on their services and how patients rate them.
Working with an agency has pros and cons.
The pros include Prescreened workers. Caregivers have undergone and passed a background check. Relevant experience. Agencies are likely to have some caregivers who have worked with individuals with the disease or disability your loved one has. Backup care. If the original caregiver is sick or doesn't work out, an agency can usually find a replacement quickly. Fast upgrades. If the client's care needs or diagnosis changes, most agencies can promptly provide a worker with more training. Fewer problems. Concerns and complaints can be reported to, and handled by, the agency. Liability protection. If a caregiver is injured on the job, the agency covers the cost. No paperwork. You pay the agency. It takes a percentage, pays the worker, and handles payroll, scheduling, and taxes.
The cons of not working with an agency: Expense. You pay more for an agency-provided caregiver. Little choice. The agency chooses the worker who may or may not mesh well with you or your family member. Limited negotiation. Individuals are generally more flexible about duties, hours, and overtime than agencies—Minimum hours. Many agencies do not allow a part-time schedule.
Hiring a caregiver on the recommendation of someone you know. You have more flexibility and more responsibilities than if you use an agency. But you also have the confidence that comes with a referral from a friend or a community group. Consider the following: Ask friends and neighbors who have employed caregivers for recommendations, names, phone numbers, and hourly rates of those they found to be outstanding. Keep in mind that your neighbor's priorities may not be yours. Consult the community. Look for recommendations or post a note about what you need on a private neighborhood social network such as Nextdoor. You might also make inquiries at local houses of worship and senior centers. Contact your Area Agency on Aging Eldercare Locator to find your local agency or call 800-677-1116.
Take time out today to gather the information relevant to your tomorrow regarding Hiring Paid Caregivers. On Thursday, April 21, 2022, let's talk at 7 pm.
