How to Hire a Home Care Provider

Most people prefer to be cared for in their home rather than a nursing home or other care facility, but finding a home care provider for you or a loved one can be daunting. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a caregiver.

LEVEL OF CARE

The first thing to consider is what level or type of care is needed. This will determine what type of caregiver to hire and how much the caregiver will cost. Home care providers can range from someone who offers companionship to someone who provides medical services. Local senior service providers and case management agencies can help evaluate the situation, identify the type of care needed, and review your options with you. Contact LIFE Senior Services at (918) 664-9000 or http://www.LIFEseniorservices.org/, or the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or http://www.eldercare.gov/.

WRITE A JOB DESCRIPTION

Once you have established what type of caregiver you need, write a job description. The description should list all the services you need a caregiver to provide, such as companionship, housekeeping, transportation, cooking, bathing, dressing, or bill paying and how often.

DECIDE WHETHER TO USE AN AGENCY OR HIRE INDEPENDENTLY

There are several advantages to using an agency to find an in-home caregiver. An agency screens caregivers for you, takes care of paperwork, and provides backup workers and insurance, among other things. The disadvantages are that you may not get to choose your caregiver or have the same caregiver every day.

If you decide not to go through an agency, it’s important to know that according to Oklahoma law, any person performing personal or “hands on” care, such as bathing, feeding, or helping to the bathroom in the home must be trained and certified by the Oklahoma State Department of Health and must be supervised by a licensed home care agency, unless that care is provided by a relative or friend. When hiring an individual it’s critical to screen and interview the caregiver carefully, being certain to check references. You may also need to pay employment taxes. In some cases, you may qualify for programs to pay for or help pay for some of these services.

LOCATE A CAREGIVER

Contact LIFE Senior Services for information on home care providers who offer skilled, personal care, or non-skilled services in northeastern Oklahoma. You can call the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or go to the Web site http://www.eldercare.gov/ to find providers in other areas.

CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS

Many families find that adult day services meets many of their needs. Adult day centers provide care and companionship outside of the home and give seniors the chance to interact with peers, participate in therapeutic activities, and receive health care monitoring and personal care. Some offer specialized Alzheimer’s/ dementia care. Caregivers benefit from the respite and support. Adult day services often are less expensive and more effective than in-home help. And financial assistance is available for those who qualify. (Check the Adult Day Services section for more information.)

COST ISSUES

The cost of home care will vary depending on the type of help that is needed: the more skilled the help, the more expensive the cost. Costs range from $7.50 to $25 an hour or more, and prices vary from area to area. Medicare and Medicaid may provide some coverage of the medical portion of home health care. To learn more about home health care benefits under Medicare call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE or visit the Medicare Web site at http://www.medicare.gov/.

Article by http://www.lifeseniorservices.org