As our loved ones get older it is critical for both their physical and emotional needs that they are taken care of. 41 million Americans have some sort of health condition that limits their daily activities in some ways. 12 million are unable to live without a caregiver. Even with this dependency most elders would like to continue to live in their own homes as long as possible. This can only happen with outside help. Many elders rely on unpaid caregivers such as their children and friends. This is great for elders as they can be close to their loved ones in their final days. One can also recognize the benefits of hiring caregivers as well. They give families peace of mind, comfort, and safety. If this is an option you are looking into, there are 10 tips to ensure you pick the right caregiver for yourself or a loved one.
- What are your needs? You need to evaluate where you need help. Do you need household care? Do you need medical care? Do you need help dressing or bathing? You may just need a sitter. What’s needed is important in determining the qualifications for the caregiver you will select.
- Write out a job description on what is needed. Make sure to include :
- Health care needed (What level and type)
- Ability to care (Lifting, or operating special equipment)
- Make out a job contract. This should include:
- Job Description (Hours, Wages, Termination agreements)
- Unacceptable behavior (Language, smoking, tardiness)
- Employees Social Security # (To report wages of caregiver to the IRS)
- Signatures of both the employee and the employer
- Look for caregivers in credible places. Check with neighbors and friends for good caregivers. If you are a member of the church, ask your pastor or minister about good prospects. Family members can be used, but keep in mind this is a business dealing. It’s best to hire professional caregivers if you can.
- Prepare an interview. This involves making a list of questions you wish to ask the caregiver. This includes work history and references. If you need to, call a caregiver agency for help on the interview.
- Start interviewing applicants. After screening applicants on the phone you can set up in person interviews. It would help to invite a friend or family member to sit in on the interview to give a second opinion. If you are interviewing the caregiver agency, ask to interview their caregivers yourself. Looking good on paper will not always ensure a good fit. Cultural, Social, and religious differences may sway you from an applicant.
- Make sure to check the references of the person that you are looking to hire. You are looking for dependability and for someone who is qualified to do the work.
- When hiring, make sure to do a criminal background check. Most people who work for caregiving agencies have to go through one, but it still may concern you. Convictions that are drug related, alcohol related, or other lower level legal issues may not necessarily disqualify someone from working for these agencies. If that concerns you, then you may want to look into doing one yourself.
- Hire for what you want. You will want to hire a caregiver for specific reasons. Make sure to hire one that is qualified in those areas. Make sure the caregiver will be able to suit any and all needs that you will have.
- Monitor the activities of your caregiver. This would most likely be better done by a family member. Make personal contact with the caregiver, and make frequent visits at the home the caregiver is at. Also make sure to get reports from the caregiver and the agency. In case of something going wrong always have a backup plan for a caregiver.
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One of the many benefits of being an elder law attorney is getting to work with selfless clients who act not out of their own self interest, but out of a deep concern for the people they love. That’s why I love helping families enjoy peace of mind and protect their hard-earned assets.
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