As I was looking through a local magazine, I was inundated by all of the companies that claim to provide #1 Senior Home care. The advertisements were attractive, but I could not help but notice how I felt as I perused the magazine. On almost every page was one company after the other offering personal care, shopping, errand, grooming, etc. I sat there and tried to place myself in the shoes of someone looking to find services! If I select one of these companies, where do I even begin in choosing the best caregiver?
I know it can be overwhelming. It is stressful finding the right care! While it might be tempting to just play Russian Roulette, roll a pair of dice, or close your eyes and point, I urge you to thoroughly research your options!
What most articles discuss on what to look for in a Home Care Provider is useful, but it does not get to the core of your needs! Yes, it is vital know a bit about the company’s background, reputation, and that they licensed for the services they provide. Yes, they should have clearly, laid out details of pricing and scope of services. Yes, the admissions person should be able to tell you what long-term insurance companies the agency works with and their method of determining care eligibility. These are essential; however, there are some important strategies that are hardly discussed. I want to get to root figuring out how to choose the best caregiver?
Care is a deeply personal endeavor, and of utmost importance is selecting a company that understands that this is not simply a transactional matter. These are people that you will let into you home—your personal space! Sure, for-profit and non-profits must make the sale, but not at the sacrifice of quality. Cutting corners can end up costing you!
First, when considering direct referrals from a facility based social worker or discharge planner, it is not without risk. Sometimes, your referrals are just picked from a vendor list! The person referring you may have never established a working relationship with them. I would most certainly ask questions to understand the depth of their referral relationship.
Second, inquire about the hiring standards of the agency’s caregivers. Typically, companies should have a solid hiring process. Health, education, work history and criminal history should be verified. Professional and personal references should be contacted. But what really puts the icing on the cake is selecting agencies that assess the caregiver’s skills, core values and personal strengths as well. Inquire about any assessments given to the caregiver and why they fit with your needs.
Third, understand the scope of practice. Service descriptions should be clearly spelled out. There are two types of caregivers: Medical and Non-medical. Professionals such as nurses, physical/ speech/occupational/ respiratory therapists, social workers, and nutritionists are Medical Caregivers that provide the vital medical home care services you need in order to return to or to maintain the best health possible. Non-Medical caregivers such as homemakers, companions, personal care aides, and home health aides provide essential non- medical home care services such as routine, daily assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, companionship, and housekeeping. It is important to know the level of care that each professional can provide. It is also vital that the caregiver does not overstep their professional bounds.
Fourth, does the company provide ongoing training to their caregivers for age-related wellness. This can take the form of online modules, in-person training at their agency, or one-on-one training in your home. Caregivers must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to remain current with industry and best practices of care
Next, each caregiver must have a way of staying informed if conditions progress in order to effectively identify physical and mental changes and take the appropriate action based on their expertise or alert the most appropriate resource. I think it is reasonable that caregivers that are updated on the outcomes of your medical visits so they can understand any changes that must be made in their routines. This is information that can be communicated to them by you or by a Supervising Care Manager.
Lastly, ask if there is professional care management offered by the home care agency. Care Management serves to keep all of the pieces of your care together. It is the process of planning, facilitating, and actively managing the care of individuals with physical, developmental, and/or mental difficulties to ensure all of their short- and long-term needs are met. And it requires an experienced professional to oversee the effort. Not all agencies offer this service; however, geriatric care management can be delivered through third party practices as well.
