How to choose an aide/caregiver/unlicensed personnel for your loved one....

There are a lot of reasons why someone would need a caregiver. Perhaps they are not as independent as they once were and need some minor support such as help grocery shopping, or help cleaning. Maybe a family is helping to care for another family member and the family caregiver needs to get away for a few hours a week for a break ,or maybe your loved one had a catastrophic event and needs help with changing depends, help ambulating and bathing. A good caregiver can bring a world of change to a person as many times this can be their only socialization they have throughout the week. On the other end, choosing a bad caregiver can have catastrophic consequences from just giving off bad energy and bringing the person down, to not helping and just being a plain waste of money, to abuse, neglect and predatory behavior that can strip a person of their dignity, money and even health and well-being. 

So how do you make a good decision and how do you know who to go to? First, if you can get in touch with an agency that is knowledgeable about what care is needed at what level, what agencies are best, and are able to follow up appropriately, this would be the best way. Companies such as mine, IKOR of Greater Columbus helps to navigate the complex healthcare system and knows the good agencies in the area to help navigate the way. If you choose to find a caregiver on your own.... read on and be knowledgeable about your options. 

What do you mean my aide can't help my mom eat? .... 

There are different levels of care and not all home health aides can provide all care. 

DIFFERENCE IN AIDES

Companion care- This type of caregiver can NOT touch the client. Companions can do chores such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, provide socialization, and sometimes drive the client to activities. 

Custodial care- This type of caregiver CAN touch the client and help more if the client is needed more advanced care such as: help with bathing, dressing, eating, walking, and/or toileting. 

There is not a huge difference in the cost between the two levels of care. If your family member has a condition that they will need increased assistance over time, go with custodial care for continuity. 

ALWAYS interview more than one company for services. Some require a minimum number of hours a week and some do not and just need advance notice before using them. For example, some people just need a ride to a doctors appointment once every few months. Different agencies are a better fit for both of these situations. 

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING INTERVIEW

• Are you licensed? (make sure you check the license and is currently up to date). 
• Do you background check your employees? How far back is the background check? (It should be a minimum of 7 years). 
• Do you hire your own employees or are they contracted? (make sure they are their own employees)
• What is your turnover rate? What do you do to retain your employees? - One of the biggest problems in homehealth services is the turnover rate. Once your loved one gets used to one aide you don't want to have a new aide in every few weeks like a revolving door. And asking about turnover, they will be aware you will be watching for this problem and may match you with a more seasoned aide. 
• How will you communicate with me? Make sure they have a system to keep you up to date with what is happening with your loved one. 
• Other things to keep in mind are: Does the agency return your calls promptly? Do you get along and generally like the owner, case manager you are meeting with? Do they seem receptive and knowledgeable about your loved ones needs? 

WHAT ABOUT NON-AGENCY CAREGIVERS?

I typically recommend against using someone that is not affiliated with an agency. Some issues to keep in mind if you are considering a non-agency caregiver is: 

• Who will be providing oversight? 
• Who will conduct the background search to make sure this person does not have a criminal past? 
• What happens if this person gets injured on the job? Are YOU willing to pay for workers comp insurance so the person does not try to sue you or your loved one if injured while caregiving? 
• Will you document the care for tax reasons? Bills can add up quickly and can make a big difference during tax time if you can write off the expenses, or not write them off if you are not tracking expenses. 
• What about other insurance and bonds to protect your loved one that is provided by reputable agencies. 
• Again- not all agencies have these protections in place, make sure you do your due diligence!