Hiring an home care agency is a first step towards improving the quality of life and increasing the safety of your elderly. But, if this is your first time doing so, you might not know what’s needed and which moves to make. If you do your research, you will find a lot of home care agencies, leaving you with the question: which one is right for you? You don’t need to ask yourself – ask the agencies. You will be able to make the right choice if you ask the five following questions of them.
Do they employ your caregiver?
If the caregivers from the agency are hired independently, rather than being directly employed by the agency, you will have an issue with taxes. If they are employed independently, that means you are their employer and, in the eyes of IRS, you will need to pay taxes and take care of all of the paperwork.
Do their caregivers get background checks?
This is extremely important from the safety perspective of your loved one. Make sure that the agency has their driver’s license screened, criminal background checked, and if there are any felony charges.
Source: www.thestar.com
How in-depth was their training?
Every agency provides basic training, but it is essential to look for a caregiver who has received long-term training before or whose training is ongoing. Past experience is also important, but you will want someone who keeps improving.
Ask a home care agency if they do home assessments
Many organizations don’t do this, but it can be crucial to the choice of your caregiver. If an agency assesses the house before sending a caregiver, they will better know how to create a care plan. If they evaluate your home, many family members can be included in it, so that the senior receives the best care possible.
Can you change the caregiver?
Most agencies will send you their best caregiver available. But it is always possible that the patient and caregiver won’t match in personalities. It is important that you arrange with the agency to change a caregiver at any given moment, should it be needed.
Featured Image Source: www.homepersonalcareva.com
