Issue 51.14
Once you’ve determined you need help, the question often is: where do you get it? Call in the kids to help out! They’re supposed to take care of us in our old age, aren’t they? Unfortunately, the kids have spouses and children of their own. And often they have full time jobs, not to mention they may live out of town. It’s time for a new strategy!
Many seniors are finding the solution to remaining independent at home lies outside the family circle with paid caregivers. There are a number of advantages to paid caregivers:
* Extensive hours available.
* Services can easily be customized to your needs.
* Staff is screened and supervised.
* The Agency is responsible for all employer tasks like payroll, taxes, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, bonding, and so forth.
* The Agency is responsible for providing a replacement should the assigned caregiver fail to arrive or need a day off.
Personal Care Agencies provide a wide range of services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, shopping & errands, and in many states -including Utah, assistance with personal care.
In-Home Care is usually available anywhere from a few hours a week up to 24 hours a day.
Some questions you should ask a Personal Care agency are:
1. Are you a licensed Personal Agency in the State of Utah?
a. Do you carry Professional Liability Insurance?
b. Do you carry Workman’s Comp Insurance?
c. Do you do a background investigation?
d. Do you require TB testing?
2. What services do you provide?
3. What training/experience do the caregivers have?
4. How do you supervise your caregivers?
5. How do I change the schedule?
6. What if I have a problem with a caregiver?
7. Does the agency have an emergency or after-hours phone number?
8. Who owns the agency? Is it part of a larger organization?
9. Are the caregivers employees or independent contractors?
Asking the right questions up front will help you to know what to expect later on. Choosing a licensed agency as you can see protects you in a number of ways.
Roland Whatcott can be contacted at Kind Hearts Senior Care at: www.KindHeartsSeniorCare.com or 435-216-9404 Making Lives Better…One at a Time!