Finding the right care solution for a senior loved one is one of the most significant as well as overwhelming decisions you will face. Determining the safety and security of your loved one is paramount, but there are a number of additional things to consider as well, such as if the older adult’s quality of life and capacity to thrive and remain independent will be a main priority.
AARP offers a handy checklist of questions to ask when looking into senior home health care services, including:
- Is the agency licensed?
- What services are generally provided?
- How long before services can start?
- Are caregivers trained and experienced?
- Is there a process in place for conducting background checks, bonding and insuring staff, supervision?
- What will happen if a caregiver doesn’t show up on time (or at all)?
- Can another caregiver be requested if you don’t like the one assigned?
- Are there any customer testimonials or reviews you are able to read?
- Will the senior receive an individualized plan of care?
- How long has the agency been in business?
It’s also critical to make sure the caregiver is a hired employee from a respected agency, as opposed to a contractor referred by a registry service, or a person hired through a classified ad, because:
- Taxes and other necessary federal and state requirements are covered. Hiring a caregiver independently makes YOU the employer, which means you’re responsible for all taxes, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, etc., and, you’ll be liable for medical as well as other expenses if the caregiver were to become injured on the job. A professional home care agency assumes the role of employer for its caregivers, alleviating these concerns for seniors and their family members.
- Complete vetting and supervision of caregivers enhances safety. Unfortunately, the danger of victimization and abuse of seniors is heightened when employing an independent caregiver, whether financial, physical, or emotional. Trusted home care agencies provide supervision including thorough background and reference checks, bonding and insurance, as well as other safeguards to protect senior loved ones. Not just that, but in the event an older adult’s primary caregiver was ill or took a break for vacation, an equally trained and trustworthy substitute caregiver is provided.
- Initial and ongoing training increase caregiver excellence. Agencies that provide extensive training for their care staff ensure that skills are constantly as sharp as they can be, and that any new strategies established in the industry can be used – meaning a heightened amount of care over an independent caregiver who may not have access to such extensive professional development.
Anthem Home Care‘s caregivers in Portland and the surrounding areas are happy to meet these criteria and more. As a proud member of the Briggs Home Care family of agencies, we are focused on meeting the diverse needs of our clients – from companionship and light housekeeping assistance to chronic and emerging health issues, and everything in between. We take great pride in ensuring our team receives continuous caregiver training, to help you feel confident in knowing our caregivers are top notch and continuously improving their skills, while providing the safe, reliable, and compassionate care required to make life the best it can be.
If you’re interested in partnering with our caregivers in Portland or the surrounding areas, email or call us at 361-643-2323 to allow us answer any additional questions you may have about our senior home care services and how we care for seniors at home, or to ask about a free in-home assessment to boost wellbeing for an older adult you love. To find out if our services are available in your community, please visit this page on our website.