5 Things You Absolutely Must Consider Before Choosing Between A Private Caregiver And A Caregiver Agency!
There are several things to consider when choosing between hiring a private caregiver and hiring a caregiver agency or home support company. Probably the first thing to consider is:
1 – The level and complexity of the care required. The more complex your requirements, the more difficult it will be to find qualified people. Do you need companionship and cleanliness, or help bathing and taking care of yourself?
2- The current employment situation. Are there private carers looking for freelance work or is the market short of carers? If the market in your area is short on caregivers, it will be harder to find someone and you will have fewer people to choose from. This also makes it more difficult to find a replacement in case of illness or vacation.
3 – Costs may or may not be such an important factor. Using a private caregiver will generally be less than using the services of an in-home support company. Some people combine the two, allowing the private person or company to be the team leader.
4 – Become an employer. When you fire privately, you become an employer in the eyes of the government. Are you willing and able to interview, check references, create a contract, and calculate remittances for workers’ compensation, income taxes, government pension plans, employment insurance, and any other government-mandated employer-mandated payment programs? ? Are you willing to try to find backup if your caregiver is sick or goes on vacation?
5 – Your personal protection. Does the individual have a criminal record? Do they and you have enough insurance to cover an unforeseen accident? They are united? Agencies usually have bonded employee and liability insurance, which means you are covered for injury, damage, theft, etc. This is one of the reasons people choose established caregiver agencies (in-home support businesses) over private individuals.
10 questions you HAVE to ask any potential caregiver
1 – How long has the company been in business? With the aging population of baby boomers, many people have seen elder care as a lucrative market. Home care companies are constantly emerging. Pick someone with a track record.
2 – Do they provide all levels of care, both medical and non-medical? You may only need non-medical care now, but that could change in the future. And switching is always easier with as little disruption as possible.
3 – Is the individual or business owners/managers Certified Professional Aging Consultants or Certified Senior Advisors? These individuals go through a rigorous course of study to earn this designation. They must also take continuing education courses to maintain their qualifications. CPCAs and CSAs study the issues of older people, from health to finance to psychology, and are uniquely qualified to help and advise older people and their families.
4 – What type of background check or background check is performed? Insist on a full criminal background check.
5 – Can the company or individual provide testimonials from other clients? This should be easy if they have been around for a long time.
6 – Does the company have its own nurse(s)? Again, you may not need medical attention right now, but that could change. And having an RN for staff to consult with is also a plus.
7 – Will you get a different caregiver each time? It’s hard enough admitting you need help without having a different stranger walk into your home every visit. Each of these people has to learn their preferences and ways of doing things.
8 – Are there additional costs for travel time, mileage, administration or home visits by supervisors? It is better to inform yourself in time.
9 – Does your home have a care plan and a communication book?
10 – Can the family participate? Will there be regular communication with the family?