Hiring a caregiver can help you keep your loved one at home with minimal upheaval. They can help with bathing, medications, meal prep and companionship.
Several local governments have publicly available registries of certified home care workers that you can use to find the right person for your needs. They may also have funding programs that can help pay for attendant care through a government program, such as Medicaid.
Background Checks
Caregivers, also called home health aides or personal care assistants, provide vital assistance to clients who are unable to care for themselves. They administer medication, perform light housekeeping duties, run errands and offer companionship to seniors and other adults in need.
A background check is a process that agencies use to verify that potential caregivers are not convicted criminals. These checks can include fingerprints and criminal records.
A reputable and professional consumer reporting agency (CRA) can conduct caregiver background checks for your organization, which will simplify the process, help you maintain compliance with all state and federal laws and give you confidence that the results are accurate. Look for a CRA that is accredited through the Professional Background Screeners Association (PBSA).
References
There are a lot of considerations to be made when it comes to hiring a caregiver for your loved one. Aside from finding the best care plan for your loved one, you need to ensure that your new caregiver has the requisite skills, qualifications and experience to meet your needs as well as those of your loved one.
Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to help you narrow down your search. For example, the Medicare website offers a free tool called Home Health Compare that allows you to easily compare home health agencies and their services. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging for assistance. Another resource is the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), which provides a variety of programs and services designed to enhance the lives of people who care for others. The program was named the best in the country by Medicare and is a great place to start your search for a suitable caregiver.
Insurance
In-home caregiver agency near me help elderly, disabled and incapacitated people maintain their independence and quality of life through home health care services. Their programs combine insurance policies that protect professional reputation, property, financial security and more.
General Liability: This covers claims made against your business by a client or family member for bodily injury, damage to property and more. It also covers corresponding legal fees.
Professional Liability: This is an important part of your business liability coverage, defending you from accusations of negligence or malpractice. It also covers medical bills and related costs and settlements if a claim is proven to be true.
Hired and Non-Owned Auto: This policy helps cover the cost of business vehicles used to provide in-home care, including trips to doctor’s offices, pharmacies and other locations.
Bonding is another way to protect a caregiving agency’s reputation for honesty and faithful execution of duties. Having this in place makes it easier to secure clients who need home health care and reassures them that you will do the best job possible.
Payment Options
The options for paying a caregiver vary depending on the person you’re caring for and their needs. This can include private insurance, government programs, employee benefits and family payment options.
One option for veterans is the Veteran Directed Care program, which allows them to budget their own health care. It also gives them the option to hire a family member as a home care aide.
Caregivers can also be paid through PFLBL, a federal program that offers a tax-free stipend to caregivers who are related by blood or marriage to a care recipient. This can be a very beneficial option for those who are caring for a spouse or another relative with Alzheimer’s disease.
There are also a number of home care registries that connect families with independent home health workers. These are a great way to find a caregiver, though you should be prepared for more responsibilities and flexibility than with an agency-provided aide.