TIPS FOR SUCCESS WHEN ARRANGING FOR AN AGENCY CAREGIVER OR COMPANION

Congratulations! You and the family have finally decided to arrange for in-home care for your loved one from a Home Health Agency like Visiting Angels. That is only step one. The next steps are important for success in choosing and keeping the right caregiver and companion, and guaranteeing your loved one’s care is customized and compassionate.

1. Be realistic about what is required in your particular situation – this means literally writing down a job description that will meet your loved ones unique needs. At minimum, if your loved one is still somewhat resistant to the idea of care, it is a list of what your loved one will allow or tolerate in order to maintain their independence. The list may include meals and housekeeping, as well as transportation and errands. Otherwise, as dictated by physical or cognitive impairment, the list would include most or all of the Activities of Daily Living. Remember you may add or exclude some items from the list over time, just keep in mind this might affect the hours or pay rate you have anticipated.
2. Come up with an ideal schedule but be flexible – it may not always be possible to get the perfect caregiver or companion for your situation within a strict timeline. Keep in mind that there might be hourly minimums, or a price break for a longer shift. On the other hand, be aware that if your loved one has a complicated hygiene routine in the morning and needs a shave as well, it might not get done within a 2 hour window.
3. Understand that a Home Health Agency generally will not have negotiable hourly rates – understand the value of the services you are being provided. An agency has thoroughly vetted their professionals, performed criminal background checks, ascertained the aides have hands on experience, followed up on references, and will cover the necessary insurance, FICA, and other overhead. There may be higher rates for caregivers specifically trained in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s care. An agency will generally allow you interview and select candidates you feel are compatible with your loved ones personality as well as their needs. Down the road, if you are not completely satisfied with the caregiver or companion you have chosen, they will allow you to choose another. An Agency will also provide backup should your caregiver become ill or need to miss a shift due to car trouble etc.
4. When interviewing caregiver candidates, get enough information to make a good decision – this may take more than one step. You may first want to speak with the choice of candidates over the phone to narrow down the choices per your care and schedule needs. Secondly, you may want to meet your top two candidates in person at the Agency office. Lastly, arrange for these two (or your favorite) to meet with your loved one at home. Don’t be afraid to ask for a short trial period to be sure there is a good mesh of personalities. Be aware that male aides are harder to come by – you may not have the luxury of all the aforementioned steps.
5. Properly review the start of care paperwork – Agencies are held to very high state and local standards, hence the inevitable but necessary paperwork that protects everyone, including you and your loved one as well as the caregiver. HIPAA rights, emergency protocols, and other important items regarding services provided and expectations are generally covered in the start of care paperwork.
6. Last but not least, be honest – be truthful about your loved one. Chronic illness, pain, dementia, and physical impairment are challenging for all concerned. If your loved one is often resistant or sometimes rude, that is to be expected. More importantly, let the agency know if they wander, are abusive or aggressive, hide their medications, etc. Better all parties are informed and prepared.

We’re here to help! If time, distance, work or other constraints prevent you from being there 24/7 for the ones you love, turn to Visiting Angels for your peace of mind and the customized care your loved one deserves. We help our clients “thrive not just survive,” with our award winning services and 94.4% client satisfaction rating.

You may find this article helpful as well: https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/avoid-disaster-ask-these-ten-questions-before-you-hire-a-homecare-company-weekly-message_250

Till next time!

Irv Seldin, JD., Owner and CEO of Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

*Article not intended as medical advice.