What are my options?

A friend or family member is often the first line of caregiving. But sometimes, either for the health of the patient or the caregiver, outside help is needed.

A full-service agency offers a wide selection of services by qualified, caring people. A client selects services according to his or her needs. Caregivers are the employees of the agency, and thus the agency assumes all responsibility for hiring, scheduling, wages, liability, and taxation.

A private duty individual is a person hired directly by the client. All selection, wages, taxation, liability, and scheduling issues are the burden of the client.

A registry is an unlicensed employment agency for caregivers. The registry simply provides the client with a caregiver—who becomes
the client’s private employee. Once the client pays a finder’s fee, the responsibility of the registry ends. Wages, taxation, liability, and scheduling remain the burden of the client.

Four issues to consider when choosing a caregiver

Security
Ask these simple questions to help you determine who is committed to you and your loved one’s best interests.

1. Is the caregiver bonded?
2. Is the company licensed and regulated by the state for hands-on care?
3. What screening procedures are involved when selecting  employees?
4. What precautions are in place to prevent a caregiver from taking advantage of the patient?

1. Who is responsible for paying the caregiver’s wages, payroll taxes, and workman’s compensation?
2. What is the backup plan if the regular caregiver is not available?
3. What process is in place to verify the caregiver’s timesheet?
4. Is the caregiver able to provide all the services the client currently needs?

1. Who are the Geriatric Care Managers in my area?
2. Who will supervise the caregiver—and with what frequency?
3. What type of training or certification does the caregiver have?
4. Is the caregiver able to provide continuing care if the client’s needs progress?

1. Are services available 24 hours a day/7days a week?
2. What plan is in place to respond to emergencies?
3. Is a nurse or manager available 24 hours a day?
4. Would a Personal Emergency Response System be a wise investment?