Hiring the Right Caregiver

Your mom is failing – having trouble keeping up with day-to-day tasks like laundry, housekeeping and meal preparation.

She needs assistance… but not assisted living.

“The overwhelming majority of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, and with in-home care, they can do that,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “From companionship and meal preparation to personal and Alzheimer’s care, professional caregivers can help seniors live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.”

Steps to Ensure Right Caregiver

Once the decision to hire a professional caregiver has been made, Goetz advises that you take a few important steps to ensure you’re hiring the RIGHT professional caregiver. As you explore options, she suggests:

Using a trusted home care agency.

While hiring an independent caregiver (like a lady from church) may seem like a good idea, there are risks. When you go through a reputable home care organization, experienced professionals assume responsibility for evaluation, training, background checks, drug testing, payroll taxes, insurance and arranging for back-up care, if necessary. 

Ask for referrals.

If you’ve never used a home care agency before, ask friends, co-workers, neighbors, medical professionals and others for referrals. 

Read reviews and testimonials.

Check Google, Facebook, Yelp and other sites that may reveal information about an organization’s reputation as well as testimonials from current and former clients and employees.

Make sure the organization offers all of the services you need.

Initially, your loved one may only need help with simple tasks, like light housekeeping and meal preparation. But, with time, he/she may need help with things like showering and toileting. Look for an agency that will be able to meet his/her needs now and in the future.

Conduct in-person interviews.

You’re asking someone to go into your loved one’s home and asking them to help with very personal tasks, so the relationship has to feel right. Visit the agency, meet the team, discuss your loved one’s care plan and the agency’s ability to meet his/her changing needs. Other questions include:

• What kind of training do your caregivers receive?
• How do you determine if a caregiver is a good fit for the client?
• What’s the likelihood that my loved one will have the same caregiver for all shits?
• Do you perform random drug tests on your employees?
• What’s the back-up plan in the event of a caregiver emergency or illness?

Peace of Mind

“One of the most important benefits of hiring a professional caregiver is peace of mind – knowing that your loved one is receiving consistent, compassionate care,” Goetz said. “At HCAN, we understand that you are entrusting your loved one to us, and that’s a responsibility we take very seriously. We put relationship over task – always. And we are committed to helping seniors and their family members through every stage of their senior care journey.”

For more information about HCAN and the services provided, visit hcanthrive.com or call your local HCAN-supported organization.