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We Hired An In-Home Caregiver
In my last post I shared that Gladys’ adult day care had given us notice that they would no longer be able to accommodate her and I began looking for in-home care. We use the services of Hospice Advantage who had assigned us a social worker, Stephanie. When I told her about our situation, she sent me a list of agencies and private sitters. The agencies were just too expensive for us so I started calling the private sitters on the list.
I was very impressed with one of the sitters, Tami. I called her on Wednesday, checked her references on Thursday and interviewed her at my home on Saturday. Fred and I both like her. I also checked with Stephanie and asked how the private sitter list was comprised. It turns out that when Stephanie visits her hospice clients, she observes how the caregivers interact with their patients. If Stephanie is impressed, she adds them to her list.
We Hired Tami
We hired Tami. Today is the end of her third week with us and so far we are very pleased. Before we hired Tami, I called both of our daughters and told them about her background and her references. My oldest daughter Nichole, was concerned that she had only worked for two of the families for 4 months and 8 months. She wanted to know why “she couldn’t keep a job.” I told Nichole that her tenure with those families was short because the patients had died. Nichole was alarmed and said, “You don’t want to hire her, she might kill Aunt Gladys too.” I told Nichole to relax. Tami had primarily been a live-in caregiver who cared for terminally ill patients.
We Made An Agreement
An Internet search provided several contract samples. I used a contract from Agis.com and modified it to suit my needs. Tami works three days a week. In addition to routine caregiver duties she coaches Gladys through her physical therapy exercises and when the weather is pleasant, Tami puts Gladys in her wheel chair and walks her around the subdivision.
So far, we are very pleased with Tami. Gladys is receiving good care and we are comfortable having her in our home. More Updates later.
Related Posts: The Ever Changing Life of A Family Caregiver
Tips for Finding Good In-Home Caregivers
When we brought Gladys home after her stroke, we employed the services of an in-home caregiver. It was a good option at the time because Gladys had just left the hospital and she still had to undergo a lot of physical therapy. If an in-home caregiver is one of the options you are considering, this article will provide some tips for finding a good in-home caregiver.
This information is from Senior Sense, a quarterly publication provided by the University of Georgia Family and Consumer Sciences.
Learn about in-home care services
Determine exactly what kind of care or assistance your senior needs. In-home care generally is categorized into “skilled care” (medical care by nurses and therapists) and “in-home support services” (non-medical care including house-cleaning, dressing, and companionship). Look into who does what and how much various services cost. Social workers, physicians, the local area agency on aging, friends and relatives may refer you to reputable sources of in-home help.
Develop a profile of care needs
Assessing care needs can help you define your senior’s care needs and the kinds of help you need with caregiving. It will also help you determine in-home caregivers duties and skills needed, and to evaluate the job performance of in-home workers. The local area agency on aging may offer in-home assessments or direct you to an agency that does that.
Write a basic job description
Use the profile of your senior’s needs and a list of your needs as a caregiver. Clearly state your expectations and the worker’s duties and responsibilities.
Find out about legal, financial, and tax issues
In-home caregiving can be expensive. Review your insurance coverage, know your tax responsibilities if you hire someone on your own, and clearly understand what’s involved in working with an independent contractor.
Decide whether to hire on your own or through an agency
Home care agencies usually charge more than privately hired workers because the agency has a wide range of responsibilities for ensuring quality caregiving. Hiring someone privately may reduce your costs considerably, but it will take more time and effort to screen applicants, pay taxes and supervise the caregiver. You will also need a back-up plan for privately hired workers to cover vacations and other absences.
Screen and interview applicants
A trusting and comfortable relationship between you, the senior, and the in-home worker can determine the success of in-home services. Take time to select carefully. Interview all qualified applicants in person even if you are hiring a caregiver from an agency. Write your interview questions in advance. Be prepared to discuss all aspects off the in-home care you need.
Check references and backgrounds
Try to get three or more references, including at least one professional reference. Ask the references how they know the prospective caregiver and for how long. If you are not using an agency, conduct a criminal background check.
Sign an agreement
Complete an agreement clarifying conditions and terms of employment and setting guidelines for the caregiver to follow at all times. Both parties should have a signed copy of the agreement. Consider contacting an attorney to write your agreement. An agreement can be revised or updated as needed. Finding the right person to be an in-home caregiver for your senior can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Misunderstandings can develop for various reasons, despite your best efforts. Caregivers are employees, but they are almost family members too, making this relationship very sensitive. Some people compare the process to finding a good in-home caregiver for a child. In both situations, you’re putting your trust in someone to provide quality care for a vulnerable family member. Careful preparation, communication and ongoing monitoring of the caregiving process can help minimize problems.
If this article was helpful or if you have used the services of an in-home caregiver, please share in the comments section.
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