HOW TO SELECT AN IN-HOME CAREGIVER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 3, 2010 -- Many seniors are finding the solution to remaining independent at home lies outside the family circle with paid caregivers. Barbara O’Brien, president of Live Right Senior Care in Oak Forest explains, “Most seniors find caregivers in two ways. The old way is to run a classified ad or hire through a temporary service. The senior bears all the ‘employer’ responsibility for this kind of caregiver.” Before going down this path, O’Brien recommends seniors ask the following questions of independent caregivers:
1. What client references can you provide?

2. What is your experience/background?
3. Do you have any certificates or training? Is it current?
4. Have you worked with (Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, etc)?
5. What would you do if I had a medical emergency?
6. How much notice would I have if you could not come in for a day? Can you arrange your own substitutes?
7. How do I contact you?
8. Are you bonded? Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
9. Do you have liability insurance?

“These folks are usually less expensive but there’s a lot of risk involved in hiring them”, O’Brien says.

The new way is to contract with a companion care agency. These private agencies provide “in-home, non-medical care”. The number of agencies is growing quickly to meet the demands of a fast-growing senior population. They provide a wide range of services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, shopping & errands, and in many states including Illinois, assistance with personal care. These one-on-one services can continue should the senior move into assisted living or even a nursing facility or hospital.

Companion care is usually available anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours a day. Payment is private pay and may be covered by long term care insurance policies.

O’Brien says, “This service is a little more expensive than independent caregivers but the right agency will provide the most customizable, reliable, worry free, in- home service available.”

in home senior care     non medical home care