Homecare Services - Selecting A Senior Homecare Specialist

Homecare services are a critical sector of the healthcare providers across the country

. Selecting a reliable caregiver for the seniors in your life is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Getting an impression of a senior homecare specialist over the phone is nearly impossible. Take some time to do additional research so you can be confident in the quality of the care your loved ones receive. To save yourself a considerable amount of time and frustration, follow these guidelines when sorting through service providers in your area.

1. Determine your own level of involvement. Homecare providers range from full-service to referral agencies, while others put you in touch with private caregivers for hire. If you don't have time to screen potential employees, work with a company that can match you with a reliable specialist who can meet your needs.

Full-service homecare services are ideal if you can't be a hands-on employer. They will check caregiver references, handle finances including payroll, taxes, and workman's compensation. They also take a great deal of responsibility when it comes to supervising the placement and continued success of a caregiver in your home. If you do have the ability to be more involved, you can pursue a private-hire caregiver that you may have learned about through a recommendation or healthcare group. Keep in mind that the background checks and interviewing of potential employees will fall to you, as will payment and insurance. A referral agency offers a middle-of-the-road option, and will handle employee selection and placement before turning over the professional relationship to you.

2. Be clear about your expectations. Before contacting any of the homecare services mentioned above, determine exactly what the needs of you and your loved ones entail. When will the caregiver need to be in your home? Be sure to make a list of duties that will fall to the caregiver, and highlight any specialized care that the senior requires. The more specific you can be, the better your chances of finding a qualified employee with whom you can develop a long-standing professional relationship.

3. Ask questions. Be inquisitive and ask as many questions as necessary to confirm the reputation of the homecare services you investigate. How long has the agency been providing in-home senior care? How extensively are employees screened? Can the agency provide references to you? If emergencies arise during or after work hours, how are they handled and who is responsible for contacting you? Are caregivers supervised regularly when working in private homes? Don't forget to ask about payroll policies so that you are aware of how the financial aspects of the business deal will be handled.

4.Exercise caution and common sense. It is a good idea to meet with the caregiver in person prior to the start of any homecare service. You want to ensure that you find someone with a positive personality who you will be comfortable working with. Additionally, remember that this employee will likely have access to your home when you are away, so plan accordingly. Keep valuables locked away, and monitor your credit card and bank statements regularly.

by: Karen Williams

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