Independent Or Professional? 5 Tips For Choosing A Home Caregiver For Your Aging Loved One
So, your loved one needs some help at home, but you’re not exactly sure where to start? Don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as you may think! At Senior Resource, we’re committed to helping aging adults and their families to gain the knowledge and tools they need for thriving throughout life’s Golden Years! Here are 5 great tips to get you started on your quest for the perfect independent or professional home caregiver!
1. Determine your loved one’s needs first.
Home care can mean a lot of different things to different people. So, it’s essential to first determine your loved one’s specific needs. Consider if this will likely be a long-term or short-term thing. Does your loved one have memory conditions or mobility restrictions? Do they often feel lonely? Maybe some food prep would be helpful? Make a list of all needs, wants, and health conditions. Pair that with a list of provisions or general ideas you and your loved one feel would make aging in place a little easier. Keep these lists on hand as you begin your home caregiver search.
2. Think about the payment options you have available.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” for home care types nor how you can pay for them. Prices are going to depend on which services you procure (although, independent caregivers tend to charge less), so you should be well aware of how you will go about paying.
Medicare does not generally pay for long-term care. However, it may pay for certain home caregiver services such as periodic skilled nursing or physical therapy.
Long-term care insurance will likely pay for most home caregiver services. Check your policy for all the particulars!
3. It’s okay to be picky! Interview more than one home caregiver, both independent and professional.
A local agency or job board postings might be able to find you caregivers who work independently or for larger companies. Interview as many as you’d like from wherever you like! Remember, there’s no “one-size-fits-all.” It’s also worth noting that most agencies, like Care.com, will background check for you (which can be a helpful advantage).
4. Involve your aging loved one in the interview process.
Your loved one should be on board with whomever you are inviting into their home. If they are concerned about being happy with services, then keep searching and keep interviewing. Once someone is hired, everyone involved should be feeling good about it!
5. Consider all pros, cons, and qualifications.
Don’t just hire on the spot! Did you get a background check for the individual? Does the caregiver offer enough of the services you guys were looking for? It can really help to make another list of everyone you’ve met and list some pros and cons. Compare this list with the first one you made when you were simply determining needs.
So, which type of home caregiver is right for my loved one?
In general, it’s more common for professional services to provide medical care, but that doesn’t mean that an independent caregiver doesn’t. The main takeaway here is to do your homework before making any choices! Because, well, there are a lot out there.
If you need more help finding senior home care…
Here are some great resources to help you on your quest for the perfect home caregiver! Find home care near me.
Then, check out these other sites for more help!
Looking for advice on retirement planning? Then check out Bob Carlson’s Retirement Watch!
Did you know that 90% of seniors WANT to age at home?
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Originally published April 27, 2022
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