How to Select the Right Senior Home Caregiver

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Tips to Select the Right Senior Home Caregiver in Montgomery, AL

Once the decision has been made that your aging family member needs in-home care, what’s the next step? Choosing a caregiver for your loved one is a huge responsibility. After all, the caregiver will be spending many hours with your loved one, and it’s important to know he or she is someone you can trust. When searching for the right caregiver, you can use these strategies to narrow down your options.

Research Local Home Care Agencies

Although independent home caregivers often advertise their services, most home care agencies provide benefits such as thorough background checks and continuous training that elevate the level of care your loved one receives. Finding a caregiver through an agency also alleviates financial concerns such as having to cover payroll taxes and fees that would be your responsibility with an independent caregiver. To find home care agencies in your area

  • Ask your loved one’s doctor and your family, friends, and coworkers for referrals
  • Check with your employer or insurance company to see if they have referrals
  • Use the Internet and begin researching options in your community
  •   Visit local senior centers for referrals
  •   Look for home care agencies that are active in the community

Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide senior care, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.

Determine Your Budget

Before choosing a home care agency, you need to assess your loved one’s finances and find out how much the agency charges for its services. The agency should give your family a set price list that remains consistent. Keep in mind it’s normal for prices and fees to increase or decrease on an annual basis. You should also ask if you need to pay the home care agency or if the professional caregiver should be paid directly. When determining your budget for home care: 

  • Consider the amount of time your loved one will need in-home care. Does he or she need hourly care or around-the-clock care?
  • Look for available assistance with costs. Many home care agencies offer discounted rates for around-the-clock care. Some long-term care insurance policies and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) provide coverage or assistance for in-home care.

Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Montgomery respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

Ask Questions

Since an in-home caregiver will be the one taking care of your parent, it’s important to select a caregiver who will suit your family’s needs. Instead of just hiring a person based on an online resume, you need to actually speak to home care agencies and learn more about their caregivers. When considering an in-home care agency, make sure to ask these questions:

  • Does the agency have references or recommendations from people you trust?
  •   Does the agency require certifications? If so, what types?
  •   Does the agency perform background checks?
  •   Does the agency have the capability of supporting your loved one as his or her needs increase or decrease?
  •   Does the agency provide 24-hour support for emergencies?

Choose the Best Fit

Choosing an in-home care agency is an important decision family caregivers should never take lightly. You should ask the home care company as many questions as possible pertaining to your loved one’s health as well as the backgrounds of the caregivers working at the agency. Here are steps to take when you’re choosing which agency is the best fit for your loved one:

  • Invite one or two agencies for a site assessment. Most agencies offer these for free. Although you might have assessed your loved one’s needs, ask them for recommendations.
  • Compare the experience and training of the agencies’ home caregivers. What certifications do the caregivers have? Will they be able to notice changes in health conditions as needs arise?
  • Understand how the caregivers are hired by the agencies. How do they match caregivers with clients? Check to see how long caregivers have been in the home care industry or related field.
  • Be specific about which services your loved one needs. These may include meal preparation, medication reminders, bathing, dressing, companionship, transportation, and more.
  • If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, try to find an agency with caregivers who have experience in that type of in-home care.

If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly home care. Montgomery Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at (334) 593-3988 today.

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