During her testimony before the Senate Special Committee on Aging in 2011, the late Rosalynn Carter once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”
In many cases, our loved ones fall into the last category, and as their needs grow, so does our responsibility to ensure they get the best in-home care possible.
Maybe they’re getting older, dealing with an illness, or recovering from surgery. You want them to be safe and comfortable, but you cannot do it alone. You’ll need help from an experienced caregiver.
So, how do you find the right caregiving agency to help? This blog will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can feel good about your choice.
Why Choose Independent Care for Your Loved One?
Many families choose in-home care because it allows their seniors to stay in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
This can be especially important for seniors who have spent years or even decades in their homes and find comfort in familiar surroundings.
This means your dad or mom can maintain their daily routines and stay in control of their life. They can eat when they want, sleep when they want, and enjoy their favorite activities without having to follow someone else’s schedule.
And unlike nursing homes where staff members care for many people at once, in-home caregivers focus solely on your loved one during their time together.
Home Health Care vs. Home Care
You might hear terms like “home health care” and “home care” used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Home Health Care is offered by trained medical professionals like nurses, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. This type of care might include:
- Giving medications and monitoring health conditions
- Helping with recovery after surgery or illness
- Teaching about managing health conditions
- Physical therapy or wound care
Home care, on the other hand, is more about everyday stuff. This could be help with bathing, getting dressed, cooking meals, or even just keeping your loved one company.
It’s less about medical tasks and more about making daily life easier. Some agencies offer both types of care, while others specialize in just one. Knowing the difference will help you in your research.
What are the Main Types of Caregivers?
There are ‘Registered Nurses (RNs)’ trained to handle medical needs—like giving shots, managing medicines, or watching for health changes. They’re great if your loved one has a serious condition.
Then there are Home Health Aides (HHAs) who focus on personal care, like helping with baths, dressing, or eating. They might also do light cleaning or cook meals.
You might also hear about a personal care assistant. They’re similar to home health aides but might help with shopping or driving to appointments.
Some families also hire companions to keep their loved ones company, chat with them, play games, etc.
What Is the Cost of In-Home Care?
In-home care costs vary widely depending on:
- Where you live
- The type of care needed
- How many hours of care are required
- The caregiver’s qualifications
On average, in-home senior care can cost between $20 and $50 per hour. A registered nurse might charge more because of their medical skills—sometimes $25 to $50 an hour.
A home health aide or personal assistant might cost $15 to $30 an hour. If you only need a companion, it could be a bit less, like $12 to $20 an hour. The total adds up based on how many hours they work—part-time could be a few hundred dollars a week, while full-time might be thousands a month.
How to Find a Caregiver
You can hire a caregiver in two ways: through a company or on your own through recommendation.
A company (called an agency) finds caregivers for you. They handle hiring, training, and paperwork, which makes things easier. If the caregiver can’t come one day, the agency sends someone else.
Hiring someone yourself—like a neighbor or friend of a friend—can save money, but you’ll need to do more background checks to make sure they’re trustworthy.
Irrespective of how you choose to hire your caregiver, be sure to follow these tips:
Decide What Services Your Loved One Needs
Think about what your loved one needs help with. Do they need a nurse for medical stuff? Or just someone to help with chores and baths? Maybe they need both.
Write down everything—like “help with dressing” or “cooking dinner”—so you know exactly what to look for.
Run a Background Check
If you use an agency, they usually conduct background checks for their employees, so you don’t have to worry about it (except when you feel like it).
But if you hire independently, you’ll need to do it. Ask for their ID and check if they’ve ever been in trouble with the law. You can also call people they worked for before to ask, “Were they reliable? Did they do a good job?”
Prioritize Cultural Sensitivity and Compatibility
Your loved one will spend much time with this person, so they should get along. Does your family speak a certain language?
Does your loved one have traditions or foods they love? Find someone who understands and respects that. For example, if your mom only speaks Spanish, a caregiver who speaks it too will make her feel more comfortable.
Inquire About Care Management Procedures
According to Vivian Frazier, a caregiver with over a decade in service, “Caregiving is a constant learning experience,” and this is true for the person you’re about to hire.
You must ascertain that they are able to adapt to your home and the unique characteristics of your loved one. Can they make sure everything goes well?
Ask how they plan the day—do they write down what needs to be done? If something goes wrong, like your loved one falls, what do they do? Good caregivers keep track of what they’re doing and let you know how things are going.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right caregiver will keep your loved one safe, healthy, and happy. But picking the wrong person—someone who’s late, careless, or doesn’t listen—could cause problems.
So please, take well the advice from this post and apply it in your research and hiring process.