Use this tool to answer the question... "What type of caregiver do I need?" The Caregiver Selector tool also clarifies what type of home care agency supplies this caregiver. CNA's, personal care aides, homemakers, companions, practical nurses, and other caregiver titles are confusing to the newcomer exploring in-home care. Hiring a
The non-certified aide or assistant provides custodial, supportive, long-term personal care services which may also include housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship. However, this can be very confusing depending on which state you live in as there are many variations in job titles, duties and costs. As a general rule these types
If your elderly parents want to stay at home, then at some point, it will be necessary to hire in home care. Explain to your parents that hiring help is not a sign of weakness or "giving up", but instead a sign of good common sense and realizing limitations. Most elderly parents need some type of home care assistant to help with personal
Probably the oldest and most familiar provider of home care services is known as the home health agency. The home health agency is licensed and usually Medicare certified and accepts other 3rd party billing of health insurances. Medicare certification means that the agency has met specific federal guidelines and criteria regarding patient
There are distinct variations among home care agencies regarding types of services and caregiver skills, payment options, types of ownership, and management. Understanding these differences will better prepare you to choose the best home care agency to fit your needs.
Families residing in less populated areas throughout the country often discover the difficulty and frustration of finding in-home care services. Discouraged families simply don't know where to turn when their rural communities have no home care agencies. Thus, if you are faced with this daunting task, it is vital to explore alternative
Hiring in home care is frequently NOT a choice that our aging parents are agreeable to, despite their desire to remain at home. Mom or Dad often express that outside help is not welcome as they are quite capable of managing on their own. Hiring a caregiver is seen by many old folks as a threat to their independence and an invasion of
The two choices for in home care are home care agencies and private caregivers. The decision will have implications in terms of training, cost and other pros and cons referred to in private caregiver vs. home care agency. Think carefully about your caregiving situation and what your priorities are. Do you want to get the biggest bang for
When considering going the route of hiring a private caregiver, you're first and main priority should be finding someone who is compassionate, sensible, and caring. You should begin to assess a person's character from the start of the interview. Listen to how the caregiver talks about his or her own family and friends. Encourage the
Initially the agency should schedule an in-home assessment visit to evaluate your loved one's needs at a time convenient for your family to participate. This first visit should be performed by a qualified health professional and most often will be a nurse. During this assessment visit, all aspects of care needed and expected should be
Review this checklist prior to starting home care for an elderly loved one. It will walk you through home safety precautions such as 1) Post emergency phone numbers in large print near the telephone. 2) Be certain that there is adequate lighting throughout the house. 3) Store all medications safely away and clearly labeled.
Once you've spent the time searching for, interviewing, and hiring a caregiver that you are pleased with, it's in everyone's best interest for this person to remain satisfied with their job. Taking care of the caregiver may be the last thing on your mind, but it is probably the most crucial matter at hand. Here are some tips to enhance
Step 1: Convince Your Parents They Need In-Home Care. Distrust, invasion of privacy, expense, resentment, and simply denial that they need help are universal objections conveyed by parents. This is a very common dilemma faced by families everywhere, so rest assured, you are not alone with your concerns and frustrations. Resourcefulness,
Our nurses' side-by-side comparison of home care versus adult day care can help you choose which option is best for your family. If you're on the fence, consider hiring an in-home caregiver in combination with spending a few days a week at a day care center. This way, Mom and Dad can benefit from the social interaction that day care
Too often, the cost of private home care keeps families from considering this desirable care option. To make matters worse, the bulk of home care services are not eligible for health insurance and Medicare reimbursement. Non-skilled home care, for example bathing and meal preparation, is typically paid for out of pocket. This article will
For instance, does the agency perform pre-employment background screening on all employees including criminal, department of motor vehicle, and reference checks? Background checks are vital when hiring in-home caregivers due to easy access to your valuables and more importantly your safety and well-being.
As the employer, you will free your caregiver of many worries associated with working as an independent contractor (taxes/insurance) or through an agency (lower pay, fluctuating hours). Your private hire will earn more pay and that will improve job satisfaction and reliability. The overall goal for home care is hiring qualified, caring
Some caregivers tend to be very bossy which can be quite intimidating. Therefore, from the start you need to set the right tone whenever possible. Actively participate in developing your plan of care or rely on a family member to delegate tasks to your caregiver. Allow some mutual decision making, however, be clear that agreement is not
Were you surprised if not even appalled during a recent visit to your parent's home? Did you find the house in disarray, refrigerator empty, prescriptions unfilled, bills unpaid, clothes unwashed, or some obvious personal hygiene issues? We hear these overwhelming concerns and troubling reports from countless sons and daughters who
It is most important to realize that in the home, you are the ears and eyes on your elderly family member as there may be no other willing or capable person. Act as an advocate for your loved one's basic rights of quality care by familiarizing yourself with the following signs and symptoms of elderly mistreatment, neglect or abuse in the
Most families agree that using a pill organizer is the easiest and most efficient way to manage an aging parent's medications. However, the overwhelming question is who will take on the responsibility of filling them. Many seniors have a spouse or family member that willingly assumes this responsibility; however, others are not so lucky.
