A caregivers agency can match your elderly loved ones with the right caregiving professional for them. This could be a senior home health aide, nurse, or live-in companion. These caregivers provide non-medical in-home care such as bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting, cooking, shopping, laundry, errands, house cleaning and companionship, so your senior can continue living comfortably at home for as long as possible. Caregivers agency also offer respite care for family members who need a break.
Agencies typically have strict hiring policies and procedures. They vet their employees by checking references, drug screenings and background checks. They may also verify training and certifications. They also take care of workers’ compensation, which is a big plus for you because it protects you from potential legal liability. If your caregiver calls in sick or doesn’t show up, the agency will usually send a substitute, saving you from having to pay for a last-minute replacement.
In addition, a caregivers agency will also handle payroll taxes and insurance for their employees. This is a major benefit for families because it can save you time and hassle when dealing with the paperwork. It can also save your aging parent or spouse from having to deal with these issues, which is a big relief for them.
While you can find independent home caregivers on your own, it’s often easier to work with a home caregivers agency. A home care agency will interview the caregivers and check their backgrounds, credentials, and references before placing them with clients. This can give the family peace of mind that they’re getting a qualified caregiver.
In addition to being licensed and certified, an aide should have experience working with elderly patients and understand their physical limitations. They should be able to communicate clearly and provide emotional support. In some states, a home caregiver agency is required to carry insurance and bonding. This protects the client from financial loss if the aide becomes injured on the job.
When it comes to finding a caregiver, the initial interview and screening can be done over the phone or at a coffee shop. A family should discuss the caregiving needs with the applicant and request resumes, certifications, and references. A good match is important because your loved one will likely spend a lot of time with the caregiver. Joannie*, a client of the home care agency Nurse Next Door, found her perfect fit in Beth*. They shared the same love for performing arts and theatre, a passion for tea time, and both lived in Ireland at one point.
Choosing a caregiver is a big decision. You want to make sure that your elderly loved one is receiving the best care that you can afford. In many cases, it’s worth the extra cost to work with a home caregivers agency. The added benefits include the reassurance of knowing your loved one is well-cared for and safe, and the peace of mind that comes from a reliable backup plan if a caregiver cancels or doesn’t show up. caregivers agency