There are 3 tips for choosing an in home caregiver that will help families have peace of mind. All three tips center around finding the right quality home care agency to provide Home Care, so the company can match the appropriate and experienced caregiver with the client.
First, calling a few agencies will provide a sense of whether the agency is responsive and professional in providing Home Care. Ask yourself if the demeanor of the person on the phone gives you confidence in their dedication to providing quality home care, including being polite, upfront about rates, and responsive to your questions. A home care agency that never answers the phone with a live person is a big red flag.
The next tip is to make sure the home care agency is licensed in good standing to provide senior services. They should be willing to talk about their license, share a copy with you, and prove they have worker’s compensation insurance. Choosing an agency that is accredited is an extra layer of protection. Avoid referral agencies who may offer to charge a few dollars less, unless you are prepared to be the full and legal employer of the caregiver and withhold payroll taxes on your own. Home care agencies that provide in Home Care are licensed by the California Department of Social Services as home care organizations. They hire registered home care aides.
Home Health agencies can also act as home care companies under their higher license from the California Department of Public Health. Home Health agencies are held to a hire standard of supervision and training of caregivers.
At Home Nursing Care is licensed by both the Department of Social Services and the California Department of Public Health.
Finally, tip number 3 is to make sure you are are working with a home care or home health agency that is the full W2 employer of the caregiver. This will help the client avoid caregiver lawsuits and employment liability, such as a wage and hour claim.
If you’d like to see the video version of You Need A Caregiver, Now What, click the video below.
Need more information? Call At Home Nursing Care at 888-634-8004.
